Choose the Long-Term Care Provider That’s Right for You
As the people we love age, the care they need will fluctuate. Depending on mobility, physical health, and mental capacity, there are multiple options to provide the right level of care.
Physical disability, chronic illness, or severe cognitive decline will typically require round-the-clock medical monitoring as often seen in nursing-home patients.
Long-term care offers more flexible options for older adults who are reasonably healthy and capable, yet need some assistance to maintain a good quality of life.
Long-term care supplements quality of life by providing support for activities of daily living like grooming, getting dressed, or help getting up to move from a bed to a chair.
What kind of support is available in your community and how do you find it?
The Senior Care Directory is one resource to help you to locate long-term care providers in your community.
According to the Administration for Assisted Living, roughly 2/3 of adults over 65 will need some type of long-term care services in their lifetime.
In Home
Most seniors prefer the comfort of their home but may face certain limitations that can lead to larger problems. They might need help with grooming, pet care, grocery shopping or cooking. At some point, they may no longer be able to drive, so transportation can be an issue.
These tasks are often addressed by a family member, a friend or even a church group. If necessary long-term care can be provided by a home health aide or paid companion. The caretaker might share the home, but live-in help is not always necessary.
Social Support
One notable issue with aging is loneliness, particularly after the death of a spouse, friend, or sibling. Adult day care facilities are a popular option to reduce isolation. They offer older adults companionship, social activities, and often times a meal.
It’s been proven that loneliness and depression are key contributors to health problems in older adults. Adult Day Care centers can help combat those problems with much need socialization. Daily activities might include cards and games, light exercise, like Tai Chi or dance classes, memory stimulation, movies or book clubs.
Independent Living
These communities offer an option for people who want or need to move out of their home. At some point, the house might be too large or the maintenance too much. Adults in independent living settings are typically active and in good physical and mental health.
Independent living communities have common areas. Some have walking paths, dining options, and even swimming pools. The layout is similar to apartment complexes or resorts. For healthy, active seniors – these communities offer privacy without isolation and the opportunity to engage with their peers.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
Like Independent Living, CCRCs usually have lovely grounds with pools and walking paths. They provide a wider range of support, including transportation, concierge services, and medical assistance. CCRCs are secure and have trained medical team on site.
CCRCs offer memory care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, as well as social activities, shopping, and private living space. They provide elders with a long-term place to call home, even as their physical or cognitive capability changes.
Older adults don’t need to be limited to nursing home care unless they have significant medical or cognitive health issue. Sometimes all it takes for a healthy happy life in their homes or their community are a few basic areas of support.
[3/12/2021 TCV Update: URL directed to web-archive as directory link no longer operational.]
Senior Care Directory is an online directory of Senior Care Providers. Our directory offers a detailed list of senior care providers, so you do not have to spend time speaking to a referral salesperson or “care agent.” By calling communities directly you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by of calls from communities you haven’t spoken to.
