Staying at Home
There truly is no place like home. For seniors who need extra care in their later years, their lives can change so quickly. Living each day in a familiar environment when you're no longer able to fully care for yourself is a benefit. When care is provided by a loved one in a loving environment rather than strangers in a strange place, the mental and emotional benefits can manifest physically. Caregiving is a big responsibility though and should be shared by several family members when possible. Preparing the home for in-home care is also very important.
Assisted Living
One thing that family members sometimes lose sight of when they are acting out of care for their elders is pride. Autonomy should not be taken away from any human being. For those that can still take part in their everyday well-being, assisted living is the best option. Additionally, your loved one will then be a part of a community. Outings and activities are always available in these assisted living centers. However, assisted living centers are not set up to care for certain medical conditions or for dementia patients.
Nursing Home
As Will Ferguson points out, nursing homes can be a great option for seniors who need extra care in their later years, it is important to choose one carefully, as elderly adults are often abused in nursing homes because they can't protect themselves. Nursing homes are often located on the same grounds as assisted living centers. The difference between the two is there is more care administered to the resident in the nursing home environment. The nursing home resident still has a sense of community and can make friends where they live. It is of utmost importance to investigate the facility you are trusting with the full-time care of your elder, though. If there are noticeable issues with sub-par cleanliness or resident care upon a tour of the facility, keep looking. There are very clean facilities out there who will give your loved one the same tenderness and care that you do.
It is so important to make these decisions before you are forced to make them so that you and your loved one can take the time to research and decide together. Having a voice in their future will allow them to keep an aspect of their autonomy intact when the time comes to make a change.
Let us help you get your Long Term Care options in order!