As our parents age and they can no longer care for themselves, it can be stressful for the entire family. Sometimes we do not have the time or energy to give our loved ones the time they deserve, or we can't bring them into our homes for logistical reasons.
About 8,357,100 people receive long-term care from many types of service providers. The family member should not feel embarrassed about getting the care they need and deserve.
There are so many places to house our older relatives that give them the attention they need to live happily for the last years of their lives.
It can be overwhelming trying to pick the best place to spend the remaining time. As a nation, we have created some of the best long term care facilities, from which to choose when looking for a place for our loved ones.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are a great option because they have security at all hours of the day. This is essential because if something happens in the middle of the night, one knows that their parents will be safe and secure.
A lot of facilities have doctors and nurses who specialize in long term care. One can visit their family member often if the nursing home is nearby. But, if one cannot make it as often as one would like, the loved one will be able to have a social life.
Most nursing homes schedule fun activities and encourage all the patients to interact with one another. This companionship can bring a lot of joy to someone, especially if their spouse passed away.
Home Health Care
If the older family member insists on staying in the comfort of their own home, then home health assistance is an excellent option. The care-givers come right to their home and help them with whatever needs to be done. Some examples are cooking, cleaning, bathing, buying groceries, or driving them to doctor appointments.
Home health provides help for the older loved one, but also affords them a degree of independence in their lives, which is essential for everyone to stay mentally healthy. The caretaker is someone for them to talk to and interact with, which can help with loneliness.
Hospice Care
Hospice long term care is for those who are very sick and want a good quality of life in their last days. The care-givers focus on caring for them and not curing them. They make sure that the older loved one suffers as little discomfort and pain as possible.
The Bottom Line
We all want our older parents to have the best care available. They do so much for us while we are growing up that it's our responsibility when they are older.
Depending on the severity of their needs, one can choose a nursing home, home health assistance, or hospice. All of these types of long term care are quality choices.
