If you have aging or elderly parents, the stress of making sure they are cared for can be overwhelming. You want to make sure that they get the best care possible, without having to spend a lot of money. Your parents are important to you, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. However, finding a place for them to call “home” can be exhausting. There are several senior care options out there, and finding the right one can be a chore. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your parents get the best care possible.
In-Home Care
This is an option for those whose parents are capable of staying in their own home. They would be assigned a caregiver who would periodically stop by and engage them in activities and conversation. This keeps your parent’s mind active and gives them a sense of belonging. Their caregiver can also relay your parent’s needs and wants back to you, opening up a dialogue to keep you in the loop. They can also give you an idea of how your parent is feeling about their situation and what they expect from you in terms of help and guidance.
Senior Living Facility
There are numerous senior living facilities out there. Some can be quite pricey and others are on the cheap side. You can usually take a tour of the facilities before signing your parent up. If they are able to, you should take your parent along to see if they like the facilities and if the place is able to cater to their individual needs. Most of these places have fun and games or excursions for the seniors to take part in. This is particularly important as it will keep your parent’s minds sharp and help them socialize with others.
Retirement Communities
Retirement communities are special neighborhoods that usually impose an age minimum on the residents. This is usually 65 but can also be as high up as 75. These communities are a good option if your parent is still able to get around and if they are in need of a sense of community. These neighborhoods usually have local events and clubs that your parent can join and this will help them feel included and needed amongst their peers. Give the property manager a call and see if there are any vacancies, then schedule a visit with your parent.
If you are in doubt about the best option for your aging parents, place a call to a senior care company and ask them what kind of options you and your parent have. It can be a stressful time in both of your lives, but if you look at it as a bonding experience it can actually bring you closer together. You will find that your parent is excited about this new chapter in their life, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your parent is being properly treated and cared for as they continue to live out their life.
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