Taking care of a loved one as they age is difficult. You have to find the balance between allowing them to maintain a level of independence and ensuring they have the proper care when needed.
If it comes to a point where your loved one is no longer able to be cared for properly in a home setting, it may be time to consider long-term care options. To help you get the process started, here is a short guide to long-term care facilities.
Types of Long-Term Care Options
One of the first steps toward setting your loved one up in a long-term care facility is determining which type of facility will suit their needs. The type of facility will largely depend on the level of care your loved one will need.
- Skilled Nursing Care Facilities: These facilities will have 24-hour care provided by nursing staff. Their services include medication and medical condition management, rehabilitation services, and general living needs. This type of facility would be ideal for a loved one who needs help with daily needs and medical condition management but doesn't require intense monitoring.1
- Memory Care Facilities: For loved ones who require more intensive monitoring and therapy, such as those with memory issues, a memory care facility will be the ideal option. Some skilled nursing facilities will have a memory unit where patients are more closely monitored.2
- Assisted Living Facilities: If your loved one is still reasonably independent but unable to live safely on their own, an assisted facility may be the better option. These facilities provide individual rooms, meals, and senior activities for residents. There is staff on-site to assist with medication management and personal care needs. Your loved one may take advantage of staff help when needed but otherwise live more independently.2
Helping Your Loved One Adjust to a Long-Term Care Facility
One of the most complex parts of transitioning your loved one to a long-term care facility is getting them adjusted to their new living situation. Until this point, your loved one has likely lived somewhat of an independent life either in their own home or the family's home. Moving to a new place with less privacy and more people is a transition that may be difficult.2 To help your loved one adjust better:
- Let them be involved in the process as much as possible and listen to their input.
- Make sure they have what they need to make their new space feel more like home.
- Make frequent but short visits for the first couple of months to help them adjust and address any issues they may have.
- Schedule a meeting with the activity director to find activities your loved one would enjoy participating in.1
The transition process may be difficult for you as well as for your loved one, so don't be afraid to find help with the process. Talk with the staff at various long-term care facilities and take tours, so you are confident that you will find the perfect fit for your loved one.
Important Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by WriterAccess.
LPL Tracking #1-05325555.
Footnotes
1 Finding the Right Long-Term Care for Your Loved One, AARP, https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2020/long-term-care.html
2 Nursing Home, Healthinaging.com, https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/caregiver-guide-choosing-nursing-home