Choosing the best care for a loved one can be confusing with so many options. Individuals require different kinds of care, depending on what their needs are and what they are comfortable with. Taking care of your children is almost easier because they are gaining skills as they grow, while taking care of your parents can be an emotional time in both your and their lives. As we all get older we face losing abilities and independence we’re used to having.

There are really three common types of care for older adults. Below we’ll list out the options and the pros and cons associated with each, to help you determine the right solution for you and your loved one.

Option 1: Care by Family
Option 2: In-home Care
Option 3: Assisted Living

Option 1: Care by Family

What is it?
This is where a family member, typically a son or daughter, takes on the role of caregiver and arranges to live in the same household with their aging parent. In this situation, the “familial caregiver” becomes the parent.
Pros:

  • Is substantially less expensive than managed care by a professional service or facility
  • Trust is readily established amongst family
  • Is easier to have direct ability to monitor condition of aging loved one

Cons:

  • The transition from “child of parent” to “parent of parent” can be very trying on a family
  • Career families may find it difficult to give the proper amount of time to their aging loved one
  • Familial Caregivers are not always trained in providing stable healthcare for their loved ones

Bottom Line:
For some families, this is the absolute best solution. For most families, however, this option can have a deep emotional impact. If this option makes sense to you, you should consider using a professional service to help you make the transition into being a familial caregiver and consider supplementing the use of an in-home agency for a couple days a week.

Option 2: In-home Care

What is it?
Although it seems to be gaining mass popularity today, In-Home Care is not as new as many people think. September Services, for example, was one of the few pioneers in the industry back when it opened its doors in 1983. In-Home
care is just what its name says it is; bringing all of the care an aging person needs to fulfill their healthcare needs
to them, in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home.

Pros:

  • Allows client to age with grace in familiar surroundings (their own home)
  • Relieves burden from family members
  • Can grow and adapt to growing needs of a less independent older adult

Cons:

  • Private Duty care Can be more expensive than other options
  • Medicare sponsored in-home care may be restrictive in what it will cover
  • Non-medical (sitter service) agencies may be unable to provide skilled nursing when needed

Bottom Line:
At any cost, keeping the client in the comfort of their home provides consistency, safety, and optimal health in their life.

Furthermore, it has been proved that the continuity of care, only received by in-home care services, improves the quality of life; thereby, increasing the overall life expectancy of older adults. Considering the cost-benefit of in-home care, when compared to other options, the benefits and overall enhanced quality of life far outweigh the costs. Whether in-home care is used as a supplemental solution to other forms of care (care by family, assisted living, etc.) or as a stand alone solution for those who want quality care, it is undoubtedly the best solution for you and your family.

Option 3: Assisted Living
What is it?
Assisted Living is basically institutional care, in which the client would live on-site in the community setting. TypicalAssisted Living communities provide basic care needs for somewhat independent older adults.

Pros:

  • Can be cost effective since family can fund care through sale of house
  • Is not as strict as a nursing home
  • Can be a leisure-focused lifestyle for independent older adults

Cons:

  • Although not a nursing home, Assisted living is still institutional care
  • Assisted Living is restricted in its ability to tailor its services to growing needs of aging residents
    • It is a cookie-cutter solution
  • Assisted Living can be somewhat restrictive to people who are accustomed to having flexibility in their routine

Bottom Line:
Only consider Assisted Living if you are willing to succumb to a somewhat less flexible routine and if you are willing to supplement future health needs with outside private nurses, as the Assisted Living community usually cannot accommodate highly dependent older adults.

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