You Have Options – Types of Elder Care

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Some things simply get more difficult as you age. It’s a reality that we all face (or will), and not many people are fans. However, a lot of people make it harder on themselves than necessary by assuming care isn’t available for their needs (or they don’t need care). The thing is, the senior care industry has become a lot more customized in the past decade. Where people used to go to the “nursing home” when they got old enough, today’s care system has a bunch of levels available. It has this many options because independence and privacy are important. If you are struggling to live daily life and have lost the energy to do much more than get by, you have options.

In-Home Care

This type of care comes to your home and helps you get through the day. Whether it’s bathing, cooking meals, or cleaning, this service is a great way for seniors to stay in their own homes longer. However, it isn’t a permanent solution. Homes can only be equipped for senior living so far, and the caregivers aren’t around 24/7 in case you have an emergency. When it becomes clear that having help far away is a bad idea, it may be time to upgrade to independent living.

Independent Living (IL)

This type of living is all about convenience. It provides apartment-style housing for other people your age. A majority of these communities have private companies that come in and provide services to the residents as needed. These companies will generally have an office on-site, making it easy to access their help. When you join an independent living community, you won’t have to handle repairs and maintenance any more, which can be a welcome respite. This level of care can be equal to or less than in-home care, so if you’re having trouble eating right, getting clean, and cleaning your own living space, it is time to upgrade to assisted living.

Assisted Living (AL)

Assisted living is officially defined as a senior living option combining social interaction, private duty support services, and apartment-style housing. It is the best of all worlds, providing health care services and other services you need to live comfortably. It is designed for people who can’t do everyday activities anymore. These are activities like medication management, bathing, transportation, dressing, and meals. It is also a perfect option for people who are fall risks. You don’t want to get stuck on the floor of your home, unable to get help. Some assisted living facilities provide room checks, ensuring no one suffers an accident and then is alone for hours on end. If you are struggling with health issues and unable to live well in an assisted living facility, you will likely need to upgrade to a skilled nursing facility.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

These types of facilities provide close nursing care to make life as comfortable and pleasant as possible. They offer rehabilitation as well as other medical services. Many times, if you suffer a fall or some health issue while in assisted living, you may be sent to a skilled nursing facility to recover before returning to your assisted living apartment. If you have to move between facilities like this, it’s great to be on a continuous care retirement community.

Continuous Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

This is a campus that gathers all the different levels of care into once place. You will generally see the nurse’s therapists and nurses focused on the skilled nursing facility while providing regular service to the assisted living facility. When it comes to cooking and maintenance, external companies are usually in charge.

The Heritage is an assisted living facility in Hammonton that offers unmatched senior living apartments. Learn more about us today!