Eldercare: The Many Different Types Available

Sunday 4 January 2015

By Agatha Lebouef


While making a decision about eldercare is never easy, these days there are many different types and levels of care to consider. Whether you are searching for just a little bit of extra help or need full-time, around-the-clock care, there is an ideal choice for each and every situation. Here are some examples of eldercare options and what they include.

A convalescent home or nursing home is a facility that offers 24-hour care for those who are suffering from an illness that requires constant monitoring and attention or for those who cannot care for their basic daily needs at all and require assistance with a wide variety of tasks. Sometimes, a nursing home is only needed for a week or a few weeks, such as if a person has fallen and broken a bone and needs temporary help and rehabilitation. This might also be the case if a person has suffered a stroke and needs constant care and rehabilitative care.

There are many seniors who don't need nursing care, but do need help with lots of daily tasks. It might be that they lack the energy to cook and clean anymore or are simply tired of dealing with these types of chores. They also might need help with grooming and perhaps with dressing and bathing. For this group of people, an assisted living home might be an excellent idea. These types of facilities don't provide nursing or medical care beyond helping with medication, but they do include housekeeping, laundry and meal service as well as assistance with daily personal tasks. They are also highly social facilities, providing many activities and excursions, which can be a big advantage to someone who might be feeling a bit lonely and isolated at home.

Sometimes, though, a person would prefer to remain in their home but does need help with many daily chores and activities, such as dressing, bathing, shopping, cleaning and cooking. In this case, you can find in-home care to make life a bit easier. This type of care does not include nursing care, beyond perhaps ensuring that medications are taken on time and properly. Like assisted living, this type of care is not covered by Medicaid, so this is an out-of-pocket expense entirely, but if your budget permits, this can be a great way for an individual or a couple to remain in their home safely and comfortably.

Yet another option to consider is a board & care facility, which also is known as a group home. This provides social interaction, as there are usually four or five other residents, but because the facility is actually in a home, it can be very comforting for the residents. Most board and care homes will provide care similar to in-home care and assisted living, such as help with grooming, as well as meal preparation and housekeeping.

It takes time to find the right facility for you or your loved one, and it can be helpful to use a service such as CarePlacement.com which takes into account all of your needs and your budget and looks for the best possible arrangement. Be sure to visit each facility yourself to determine if it is a place where you or your loved one will truly be comfortable.




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