6 Care Options for Elderly Parents
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
July 31st, 2023
As the years go by, adult children find themselves facing a challenging responsibility: deciding on the best care options for elderly parents.
The decision often boils down to two main paths – those that necessitate relocating their elderly parents to new living arrangements and those that allow them to age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes.
The right elder care solution is unique for every family, as individual circumstances and the distinct personalities of our loved ones play crucial roles. At the end of the day, this decision is about maintaining your parents’ dignity, independence, and happiness in their golden years.
In this blog, we explore several
options for taking care of elderly parents
that involve both moving and aging in place.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.
Options for Taking Care of Elderly Parents That Require Relocation
Your Home
The first option for taking care of elderly parents is moving your parents into a room in your home or into an on-premise mother-in-law suite. While it may be more convenient to care for them if they live with you, moving in together may lead to space constraints, privacy issues, and strain the relationship. You’ll want to carefully evaluate your relationship with your parents and the level of support they need before taking care of the elderly in your home.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are residential communities designed for elderly individuals who may require minimal assistance with daily tasks but don’t need 24-hour medical supervision. Older adults living in these communities experience a balanced level of independence and support. The downsides to elderly care facilities are the price and the low ratio of staff to seniors, which are significant factors.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes offer high-level, long-term care for elderly parents who require ongoing medical attention and support. In a nursing home, licensed nurses and trained healthcare professionals are on-site to administer medications, manage medical conditions, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Not all seniors are eligible for nursing home care, though, so you’ll need to check with state requirements.
Options for Taking Care of Elderly Parents That Do Not Require Relocation
Adult Day Care
Adult day care offers a structured and supervised environment for seniors during the day, allowing family caregivers to go to work. These centers generally provide social activities, nutritious meals, and basic health services. Some adult day care centers offer varying levels of medical support for those with specialized needs, depending on the center’s capabilities.
Respite Care
Providing care for elderly parents can be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care offers short-term relief to family caregivers by providing professional in-home caregivers who can step in for adult children who need a break. This option allows caregivers to take time off, recharge, and avoid burnout while ensuring their loved ones receive proper care.
In-home Care
A great alternative to moving your parents is 24-hour care for the elderly in their own homes. 24-hour in-home care for elderly parents provides the skilled care they require without being relocated, enabling them to age in place. This option allows seniors to maintain their independence and provides peace of mind for family members knowing their loved ones are in a familiar and supportive environment.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.
How to Get Care for the Elderly At Home
At Commonwise Home Care (Commonwise), we’re dedicated to providing premium in-home care for elderly adults. Our expert care managers work closely with families like yours to create personalized care plans for their aging loved ones. Then, our highly-trained caregivers put the care plan into action by assisting your parent in their own home, allowing them to age in place comfortably and safely.
Pros of In-Home Care for Elderly Parents
Familiar Environment: Aging loved ones can remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar belongings and memories.
Personalized Care: In-home caregivers provide one-on-one attention, allowing for tailored care that addresses the specific needs and preferences of your elderly parent.
Independence and Autonomy: In-home care promotes independence, enabling seniors to maintain their daily routines and make decisions about their daily lives.
Flexible Care Plans:In-home care services can be easily adjusted to accommodate changing health needs, ensuring your elderly parent receives the appropriate level of care as their condition evolves.
Family Involvement: In-home care allows family members to remain actively involved in their aging loved one’s care, fostering a sense of closeness and support.
Whether you need a professional caregiver to check-in on your elderly parent a few times a week or provide round-the-clock care, call Commonwise. Home care is not an easy conversation, but we’re here to help you start it. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about your options for taking care of elderly parents.
In-home elder care solutions in Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg, VA and Charleston, SC.