Accelerating Care Needs

Choosing Alternative Living Arrangements for Aging Parents 

It’s always a good thing to plan in advance and anticipate future problems and needs rather than wait for them to arrive. As the days pass by, neither you nor your parents are getting any younger. It’s better to plan early regarding long-term care for your parents while they’re still healthy and completely able to express their wishes and concerns. 

Explaining Will Prevent Parents from Getting Hurt 

Broaching a topic as sensitive as alternative living arrangements and long-term care may cause your parents to entertain misconceptions about the reasons why you’re interested in talking about it. Hence, explain to them beforehand that it’s because you care for them a lot that you want to prepare and ensure they’ll still have a wonderful life once they’ve reached retirement age. 

It’s Important to Listen 

A lot of people are unfortunately convinced – albeit having the good intentions – that they know what’s better for their parents, even when they don’t. Since it’s their future at stake, it’s logical to ask about their preferences. If you find yourself disagreeing with some of their decisions and suggestions, put yourself in their shoes to know where they’re coming from. 

Types of Alternative Living Arrangement 

If both of you have decided that continuing to live at your – or their – home and hiring a full-time caregiver is out of the question, the following options are still available for your benefit: 

Adult Care Program – This type of program ensures that elderly individuals are still able to enjoy active lifestyles. Events, gatherings, and meals that offer social interaction are regularly scheduled for their pleasure. Transportation may also be provided to facilitate the journey to and fro the care center. Other activities such as exercise meetings, games, trips, and concerts are also provided. Several adult care programs may also provide medical assistance if preferred by the individual. 

Senior Housing – If your parents are still physically able to sufficiently take care of themselves, and what they want is company and extra care during emergency situations, they may be more suited to living in a retirement or senior home. These facilities are specially designed to assist elderly individuals in their day-to-day activities. At times, meals, transportation and housekeeping can also be arranged, depending on the services offered by the facility. 

Assisted Living – If your parents need less than the attention provided in long-term care programs, but more than what’s being given in retirement homes, then they’ll no doubt find assisted living the perfect balance. Here, elderly individuals are provided help or assistance only when they want – or need to. 

Nursing Home – This type of living arrangement is optimal for elderly individuals suffering from chronic diseases. A nursing home ensures that all patients are under round the clock medical supervision to be able to provide instantaneous support. 

Continuing-Care Retirement Community – Different types and levels of care are offered in this type of living arrangement. An individual may choose to live in one type of setting for the rest of his stay OR move on to another facility once he’s confirmed to have more needs that the facility he’s presently living in isn’t able to afford. 

Federally Subsidized Housing – These housing units are provided by the federal government for the benefit of aging parents from low-income families. While most of these facilities do not offer special care services, a service coordinator is usually left in charge, and may be contacted to for requests of additional services. 

Factors to Consider Before Choosing an Alternative Arrangement -

Cost – Compare rates of each facility from each type and scratch out anything that doesn’t fit your budget

Services – What services are offered by the facility? Is the facility accredited for providing quality service? How do they treat their patients, especially those who are troublesome?

Staff – Are all the staff members equipped with the necessary skills for caring for elderly individuals? Do they possess any certificate or degree that would prove their competency in this field?

Location – How far is the facility from your house? Do you want your aging parents to live near – or far – from your home? What about your parents? What do they have to say about the location? 

Obviously, choosing an alternative living arrangement for your parents is going to be a big decision. Hence, take as much time as you want or need, because your choice can help your parents have a pleasant – or tortuous – future.

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