Your elderly relative appears to require extra assistance lately with routine duties like cooking, getting dressed, or taking a shower. Or maybe they are having greater difficulty moving about and have fallen a few times.
You may be debating whether it’s time to transfer your elderly parent to an assisted living facility if they live alone and you are concerned about their safety. You could, however, also be considering if relocation is the best option for your loved one.
According to the University of Michigan National Survey on Healthy Aging, which was released in 2022, the majority of seniors prefer staying at home, with 88% of respondents between the ages of 50 and 80 indicating they think that ageing in place is vital.
There are assisted living options available if your loved one doesn’t want to leave their home, which may enable seniors to age in place comfortably.
home security measures
Although a lot of seniors choose to age in place, there can be safety risks in your loved one’s house that are bad for their health. For elderly people with limited mobility, stairways, bathrooms, and area rugs may all be fall hazards.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), 60% of falls happen at home, making good accessibility a priority.
The same University of Michigan survey found that the majority of those aged 50 and above thought that certain house improvements could be necessary to securely age in place. Ramps, bed rails, and grab bars are a few devices that might be useful.
systems for medical alerts
Seniors may call for assistance at any moment in case of an emergency thanks to a medical alert system. Your loved one may be able to push a button to contact an operator or to alert neighbours, relatives, or friends, depending on the device.
These tools might ease caregivers’ concerns and keep elderly people secure in their homes. The National Council on Aging states that the characteristics of medical alert systems vary based on the device. Possibilities include wearables, at-home sensors, and monitored and unmonitored gadgets that can link older citizens with on-call agents or immediately phone 911.
A medical alert system is a useful choice if an elderly citizen is unable to get up or phone for help during an emergency.
Moving safely
Seniors with restricted mobility could need help with activities including standing, walking, and other tasks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors 65 and over are more likely to fall, with more than one in four of them doing so each year (CDC). After a fall, a senior’s odds of falling again are doubled. Your house may benefit from adding assistance to reduce falls. For instance:
- Adding grab bars to the restrooms.
- Put handrails on the stairs.
- Set up walking aids or canes all about the home.
- Area rugs that are loose and wet provide additional fall hazards. To help avoid falls, the NIA advises removing throw rugs and covering slippery surfaces like tile or hardwood floors with no-slip strips or non-skid mats.
Domestic care
You may want more assistance if you are taking care of a loved one to keep up with their requirements and everyday tasks. A substitute for assisted living that enables seniors to age in place and supports family caregivers is in-home care.
A trained in-home caregiver may provide companionship, aid with daily tasks, help with transportation, and more. They provide an additional set of hands where they are required by helping with tasks like:
- Cooking \sCleaning
- Doing chores
- appointment assistance
- Giving individualized care
- Senior Day Care
Although taking care of a loved one may be enjoyable, it can be challenging to combine their demands with your obligations at work and home. The physical and emotional health of a caregiver is often negatively impacted by providing care. 23% of carers say it’s challenging to put their health first. This is particularly true for carers who help with everyday tasks like washing, dressing, and eating while living with their loved ones.
Adult daycare provides seniors with a secure place to go when caregivers take a break for a few hours or a full day as a temporary substitute for assisted living. Both elders and their carers gain from adult daycare. Seniors may combat loneliness by engaging in new activities and socializing. According to the CDC, social isolation has been associated with a higher risk of developing several health problems. Your loved one’s mental and physical health may improve if they spend some time socializing at an adult daycare facility.
The best kind of adult day care relies on the particular requirements of your loved one. Several adult day centres with a focus on memory care also provide medical services. Yet, the majority of adult day care centres include amenities including transportation, food, and activities.
Interim care
Family carers get reprieve through respite care. There are several forms of respite care available, including stays in transitional senior living facilities, in-home care, and senior centres.
The safety of the senior is guaranteed by this option to permanently relocate to an assisted living facility, and the caretaker may take a break. Who would look after your loved one in case of an emergency? Making respite a part of their care plan makes it simpler to get emergency care on the books.
Caregiver burnout may be reduced and prevented with the use of respite care.
How to choose the best-assisted living choice for your loved one
Each senior’s demands are unique and change with time. It’s crucial to choose the alternatives to assisted living that best meet your requirements and those of your loved one. Yet it might be challenging to know where to begin and how to limit your possibilities. Start by:
Have a conversation with the person you love about their preferences and requirements.
determining how much care is required and how long your loved one could need it.
looking for local healthcare choices.
Thinking about their spending and care expenses.
knowing how to choose and assess healthcare providers.
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Are you looking for compassionate and reliable home care services in Orange, Osceola, Brevard, or Seminole counties? Look no further than our professional team at Embracing Home Care! Our highly trained caregivers provide personalized care for seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they can continue to live independently in the comfort of their own homes. With a variety of services including personal care, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship, we strive to improve the quality of life for our clients and provide peace of mind for their families. Contact us today at 321-758-2036 to learn more about our affordable and flexible home care options and to schedule a consultation with one of our care coordinators. Let us help you or your loved one live life to the fullest! We serve Central Florida cities like Orlando, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Longwood, Winter Springs, Cocoa Beach and more.
