It is easy to avoid thinking about the truth that there may come a point in one’s life when living independently without some form of physical or mental assistance is no longer possible. It is imperative, however, to learn about the available living options before a decision becomes necessary. Education about health care choices not mean that the inevitable aging process with come sooner. Instead, information allows a smoother transition throughout each stage of life.
Living Assistance in the Home
It is desirable for many people to remain at home for as long as possible. Light assistance may be required or simply periodic assistance following an illness or hospital stay. There are steps that can be taken to make this possible. Hiring an assistant or taking advantage of prescribed Home Health Care are among the choices.
A companion or helper can assist with any combination of companionship, meal preparation, laundry, household tasks, housecleaning, transportation and safety issues. For more profound needs, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be the better choice. This assistant is educated and credentialed to assist individuals with healthcare needs and activities of daily living. This includes bathing, grooming, transfer (for weak or disabled patients,) dressing, bathroom needs and more.
After a stay in the hospital, a doctor can prescribe home health care for the patient. This care can include visits from nurses, physical and occupational therapists and CNAs among others. If the patient has difficulty traveling for periodic check-ups or for additional therapy, this can be extremely helpful. In any situation, the primary physician is a good resource when inquiring about in home health care.
Retirement Living Options
There are also distinct levels of care outside the home as well. Some care communities offer all stages of care in the same location. This allows a resident to remain within the community and simply increase the level of care services if needed.
The term “Independent Living” refers to a retirement community in which the residents are able to care of themselves. Apartments are either rented or owned and residents can choose to take advantage of a menu of offerings at an additional charge. The offerings can include meals, laundry, housekeeping, transportation, classes, cultural outings, parties. Emergency assistance is also provided in most cases.
“Assisted Living” is designed for residents who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and medication reminders. Although the residents’ needs may be different, it is generally assumed that three meals, snacks, laundry, housekeeping as well as fitness and social offerings are provided. Trained staff is available 24 hours a day and this level of living should include regular family meetings with caregivers and staff.
After a stay in the hospital, a patient will often be moved to a “Skilled Nursing Facility”, more commonly known as a nursing home. These facilities provide 24 hour skilled medical care to people who are there for either short term rehabilitation from an illness or surgery or long term care due to physical, emotional or mental conditions. Within many of these living situations, a level of assistance for patients needing memory care for dementia or Alzheimer’s is offered as well.
Sources of Support and Information
Hospice is a level of care that is prescribed by a physician when an individual’s life expectancy is six months or fewer if their illness or current condition runs its normal course. It is “palliative”, meaning that it is given to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life rather than to cure. Because the patient or family can refuse Hospice at any time and return to care that is not just palliative, becoming a patient on Hospice is not an act of giving up. It is an opportunity for the patient and the family to receive much needed skilled care and support at an extremely emotional time.
The internet is an invaluable tool in researching information on retirement living and healthcare options. Other sources include local Senior Center bulletin boards, Catholic Social Services, church communities and friends. Ask, ask, and ask! The National Family Caregivers Association and The Family Caregiver Alliance are extremely reputable organizations and can be a valuable source of support and information.
The Caregiving experience can be similar to Master’s coursework in healthcare, psychology and family dynamics. There can be a surprise around every corner. It is wise and advisable to become educated about home health care and make note of retirement living options and existing support within the community. This work done beforehand makes an already difficult time a little bit easier.
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