What Are The Different Types of Senior Care?

You may have noticed some signs that you will need some assistance with the care of a loved one. We discussed in a prior post some of the signs that a loved one will need some assistance with their care.

Learning to navigate the world of extended care can be overwhelming. As you begin the process of determining the level of care needed, it is important to know and understand the different types and levels of care that are options for your loved one.

The types of care that could be viable options for your loved one are:

• Home Health Care

• Independent Living Communities

• Nursing Homes

• Assisted Living Care

• Dementia Care

• Hospice Care

Home Health Care

Home health care provides medical care in a patient's home, and is just one of the many types of senior care that can be provided. It may include care by medical professionals, nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even speech therapy. In addition to medical care, home health can provide non-medical care like social services or assistance with daily living. Depending on the needs of the patient, home health can range from a couple of times a week to 24-hour in-home care. The home health setting has the benefit of allowing the patient to remain in their home and offers convenience for loved ones that live within close proximity. One of the biggest benefits of home health is that it means family and loved ones can spend time freely without visitor rules and time restrictions. Home health care is typically an hourly paid position and offers assistance with activities such as bathing, store trips, food preparation, and daily grooming.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living, often known as a retirement home, is excellent for those who can still live independently but want to have access to help when required. Residents in independent living homes have easy access to dining, medical services, entertainment, and other amenities. The independent living lifestyle provides members with a safe living environment. Housekeeping, food, and laundry services are usually provided depending on the monthly plan determined at the time of the contract. Residents in independent living homes often have good ADL and IADL scores, indicating that they do not need extensive medical assistance. Because of the reduced requirement for round-the-clock care, independent living facilities are often among the most affordable elder care solutions available. Costs might vary from $2,000 to $4,000 per month because of the availability of entertainment and technological facilities.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide around-the-clock care for patients who need long-term care. Nursing homes, often known as skilled nursing facilities, provide a variety of health and personal care services. Nursing homes must have a registered nurse (RN) on-site at all times while patients are being cared for, however nursing homes may have varying degrees of experienced nurses on staff. Nursing care, 24-hour monitoring, three meals a day, and support with daily tasks are typical services. Rehabilitation treatments such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy are often provided in nursing homes as well. Following a hospital stay, many patients who need the services of a nursing home are placed there. Some patients are able to leave a nursing home, but the great majority remain there due to persistent medical issues that need round-the-clock care and monitoring. Nursing home residents often have lower ADL and IADL scores which account for the additional needed care and services.

Assisted Living Care

Assisted living, like nursing facilities, provides 24-hour care, but there are several key distinctions. Assisted living is often the greatest option for people who want daily support but not as much aid or care as those in a nursing facility. Those who live in assisted living homes can typically complete a variety of things by themselves, but not enough to live comfortably and securely on their own. Residents often have their own living space but are able to mingle with other residents in shared communal spaces. Residents will have access to services such as daily meals, medication help, cleaning, laundry, security, and organized community activities that encourage residents to be active and sociable with their peers.

Dementia Care

According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, a nonprofit that studies industry trends, Dementia care is the fastest-growing area of the senior housing market, with the number of units tripling over the last decade. Dementia care is a bit broader and will have residents that suffer from all forms of dementia and not limited to strictly Alzheimer's. This type of care is catered to those who need a higher level of support and care than what is offered in assisted living. Dementia care facilities offer a setting and care that is designed to protect residents from wandering or causing self-harm. In general, residents in dementia care do not suffer from other ongoing health issues and are in the facility because they are no longer able to safely live on their own.

Hospice Care

The National Hospice Organization describes hospice care as “the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury." Hospice care is a kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for patients who are suffering from a terminal, life-threatening disease. Hospice care works to ensure that a patient's last days be spent with dignity and quality, as comfortable and pain-free as possible with loved ones nearby. In general, hospice care is provided when a person's life expectancy is projected to be 6 months or less if the disease takes its normal course.

Blakey Hall offers a broad scope of care and living for your aging loved one.

What makes each of our extended care special?

• The Hamlet-Independent link these to site….descriptions

• Blakey Hall-Assisted Living

• The Cottage-Dementia,

When considering your options for your loved one, it is always beneficial to make decisions with the future in mind. Your loved one may not be in need of round-the-clock care now, but what kind of transition will you be looking at down the road if their needs change due to a health diagnosis. The beauty of Blakey Hall is that there are different levels of care and transitions between them can be done with minimal disruption for your loved one. Schedule a tour with us today to determine if Blakey Hall is the right fit for your loved one.