3 Major Decisions of Senior Home Care
There comes a point in every person’s life when their current health conditions, both physically and mentally, aren’t compatible with their current living situation. Seniors face this challenging dilemma more often than any other age group. At Retirement Care Services, we know there are many reasons why a senior may have to consider changing their living conditions, such as the passing of a loved one or the need for more medical attention. The bottom line is that seniors have to make a careful decision when it comes time to move. Read about the three major options regarding senior home care.
Living in an assisted living facility.
While it’s often considered a last resort, seniors may want to weigh the option of moving into an assisted living facility. While this decision doesn’t come easy to loved ones or the individual making the move, there are times when it is the most practical solution. The Brain Support Network recommends considering things like trouble handling money, struggling with home maintenance, and reduced attention to personal grooming when making the determination.
When seniors become too dependent to live on their own, assisted living facilities are a safer alternative and can offer several benefits that are nonexistent if they live alone. Assisted living facilities offer round-the-clock attention, routine and emergency medical care, constant interaction with other seniors, and more. In some cases, higher levels of care are in order; if that is the situation, a skilled nursing facility is the best bet. In any case, there are plenty of web resources to help you find the best solution to meet your needs. When looking at retirement communities, be sure to compare aspects beyond price, such as proximity, amenities and reviews.
Making changes to the home.
A vast majority of seniors wish to continue living in their current home. One of the main reasons is that they’re emotionally tied to their home. It is possible for a senior to continue living in their home, but major remodeling may need to be involved to ensure senior accessibility. This choice can be expensive due to the cost of all of these changes (a bathroom remodeling, for example, costs an average €8,000-€10,000). However, many find it worth the investment in order to drastically reduce the amount of stress a senior undergoes during such a time of change.
All of these modifications should be aimed at making a senior’s home more accessible. For example, a home with stairs would need a lift installed for those who have difficulty walking. It’s also advisable to widen doorways, hallways, and kitchen areas for easier movement overall. Access ramps may need to be installed around the home if there are any stairs needed to enter and exit the premises.
Upgrading to a more accessible home.
If a senior is willing to leave their home and is still capable of living on their own, there’s also a possibility of upgrading to something more senior-friendly. This Old House suggests thinking in terms of features like ample lighting, slip-resistant floors, and hardware that is easy to grip. Easy to manage stairs and low maintenance design are also important. Typically, this would be a smaller, one-story home or apartment that is easy to access. Moving also gives seniors the option of finding something closer to family and appropriate medical facilities.
It may be necessary to sell a senior’s home before investing in a new one. For older adults who have lived in the same house for decades, winnowing down their belongings and preparing to sell the home will be both an emotional and challenging experience. Do what you can to help your loved one sort through their belongings, and be patient. You can also help them connect with an estate agent and get their home ready for sale.
Deciding where a senior should live is never an easy process. Remaining at home is possible when certain modifications are put into place. However, when major health concerns begin to arise, it may be necessary to discuss finding a more accessible and supportive living situation. If you’re faced with this difficult decision, make sure to consider all possible alternatives before deciding on a solution.
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Guest Article provided by: Annabelle Harris https://elders.center/