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When family members and relatives grow old, younger members of the family must take care of them. The lives we live today are too busy for most of us to be able to care for our elderly family members.
Therefore, you must seek other options to ensure they are well taken care of and comfortable in their old age. You must determine which type of elderly care is best for your relatives and family. The following are options for elder care to consider:
In-Home Care
Taking care of elderly relatives can be difficult, but home care is an option that makes it less so. In-home care is whereby a nurse or healthcare professional comes to the home to take care of your relative.
The elderly relative will be living alone or with their spouse in their home. It is one of the most expensive types of care, so it is an option for those who can afford it.
In-home care is also for elderly relatives who are still capable of performing various daily tasks by themselves. Therefore, the nurse will often be there in a supervisory role, for example, to ensure they take their medicine accordingly.
Nursing Home
The second option is the most common one, which is sending your relative to a nursing home. It is an option most people choose because they cannot afford to stay with their relatives at home.
Skilled nursing homes are what most people refer to when they talk of nursing homes. These are facilities staffed with medical care professionals to provide residents with round-the-clock care. These facilities often have doctors to handle any medical emergency.
You will find relatives refusing to enter a nursing home because some have bad reputations. It makes sending your loved one to a nursing home such a complex decision. However, if you know what to look for, you should choose the suitable facility.
Moving The Relative In With You
If you have the space and resources, one of the best alternatives is to have a relative move in with you. It is a decision that requires deep consideration as the decision needs to be acceptable to your spouse and children. If you are single, it is a much easier choice.
You can take the time to take care of your elderly relative, or you can have a nurse take care of them.
Having an elderly relative move in with you is often the better choice for those who can still function alone, so you only have to check in with them when necessary, which you can use an app to do. However, taking care of an older person in your home benefits those who want to maintain their relationship and remain close till the end.
Assisted Living Facilities
Elderly care facilities cover a broad spectrum of living facilities. They could include assisted living facilities for those who need mild medical care and can live independently to a large degree.
It could also include continuing care facilities where the residents require medical help continuously. Care homes or family homes are converted private homes meant to provide elderly care to a small number of people.
They will still offer medical staffing and round-the-clock meals. Care homes are better for elderly relatives who prefer a smaller group setting. The assisted living facility you choose will largely depend on your elderly relative’s needs. The less dependent they are, the less assistance they will need on their living premises.
Taking care of elderly relatives in their old age is a decision you will have to make, and it will affect your household. Nursing homes, moving in with your relative, in-home care, and assisted living facilities are the best options for elderly care. It is up to you to determine the best option for you and your loved ones.
