There was a time when Mom became too frail to take care of herself the only option was “the old folks home”. Now our choices have much improved. We have independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes. Many of these have the look, feel and amenities of a resort. In fact many of them refer to themselves as “retirement resorts”.
They are really nice but some can be real pricey too. But for the aging loved one who desires to stay in their home, the home where they feel safe surrounded by neighbors who they trust and in the home of memories we now have in home senior care.
Senior care or elder care includes a wide range of services that are provided over an extended period of time to people who need help to perform normal activities of daily living because of cognitive impairment or loss of muscular strength or control.
Elder care can include rehabilitative therapies, skilled nursing care, palliative care through hospice, and social services, as well as supervision and a wide range of supportive personal care provided by family caregivers and/or home health care agencies. Elder care may also include training to help older people adjust to or overcome many of the limitations that often come with aging. If appropriate, elder care can at best be provided in the home first.
Where do we start when looking for resources for elder care for a loved one? Resources that can help the elderly stay in their own home are the first place to start. A variety of independent living services are now available to help the elderly care for themselves in their own home despite their changing physical needs. This may help, delay or totally avoid moving into an assisted living or nursing home.
Resources for Elder Care that can help the elderly stay in their own home:
The following are just a few of the national resources available and a good place to start. It would be more helpful for you if you did a computer search on Google or bing using these national names tied to your location. For instance “American Society on Aging Peoria AZ”.
A.A.R.P. (formally The American Association for Retired Persons) is the largest organization for adults age 50 and older. There is a part of the website which offers many resources for housing and mobility options for elderly care living.
Visiting Angels is non-medical in home elderly care service provider and elder care living assistance service. Visiting Angels offers a variety of customized services to help the elderly stay in their own home. Visiting Angels are elderly care specialists.
American Society on Aging – The American Society on Aging is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working with older adults and their families. This site offers useful resources on a variety of aging-related and elder care topics and elderly care advice.
Elder web – This site is designed for both professionals and family members looking for information on elder care and long term care, and includes links to information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues, as well as policy, research, and statistics.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification – NRCSHHM is a non-profit organization that promotes aging in place and independent living for persons of all ages and abilities. The website contains excellent resources on senior housing, elder care and home modifications.
By using resources available, elderly care in the home becomes a viable option. Elder care does not have to mean you have to do it alone. Becoming knowledgeable about elderly care issues make the aging transition an easier road to go down.
Michael Simpson is Director of Visiting Angels in NW Phoenix. They are a home care