How to Find appropriate Senior Care?

Answer 1

The term senior has many meanings. For the person looking for a discount senior might mean age 50 and over. However, generally speaking, a senior is someone who is in their sixties. As more baby boomers come of age, the word senior may eventually describe someone who is much older since age 60 is sometimes described as the new 40.

No matter what the definition of senior is, most of us realize that growing older brings with it concerns about health issues, long-term care and other concerns. Therefore it is never to early to start talking about senior care. The need for senior care often comes when it is least expected. A person develops an illness or becomes disabled due to circumstances beyond his or her control. This results in the need for constant care or periodic monitoring. The good news is that there are resources for senior care.

Senior Care Options

Among the options for senior care are assisted living, skilled nursing care, living at home with some assistance, or moving in with adult children.

Assisted living is a situation where an older adult moves into a long-term care facility and receive assistance with routine activities such as bathing and dressing An adult in this situation usually does not require nursing care but may take some medications. There is 24 hour supervision. The resident usually has a roommate and can provide some self care such as going to the restroom with assistance and self-feeding.

Skilled nursing care is an environment where adults who cannot care for themselves are placed. Adults in skilled care facilities receive around the clock nursing care and monitoring. Adults in skilled care may require total nursing care including tube feedings, wound care and assistance with toileting.

Many communities offer resources that permit seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible. Programs such as meals on wheels and chore worker services allow seniors to receive a healthy meal each day and/or assistance with household chores and meal preparation.

Older adults sometimes move in with adult children. Usually in this case an adult can still provide most of their own self-care, but may need assistance with medications or transportation.

If you or an older adult in your life needs senior care, contact your local community agency that provides services to seniors. The senior care professionals there can help you decide which services are appropriate.