You are probably here because you have older parents. They are likely still living where they have called home for decades. Yet, the house they once easily cared for is now too hard for them to maintain on their own. Now, you and your family members think it is time to look into senior living communities for them.
Yet, you want to better understand the types of senior living facilities before talking to your parents. So, you have come to the internet for some help.
Well, we have good news for you. You are in the right place. So, there is no need to worry.
At Careplan Care Managers, we are one of Northeast Ohio’s top experts in care planning and placements. We also specialize in older adults. Our team of care managers will help you make the best decision for your parents.
To help you choose, we will discuss common senior living options and how to approach this sensitive topic with your parents. So everyone can feel confident that they are in good hands.
Types of Senior Living Communities
Independent Living Communities
Your parents can still live independently and need little to no care. Yet, they want to move to a calmer, more manageable environment. If this sounds like your parents, they may want to consider an independent living community.
An independent living community offers the lowest level of care out of the options we will discuss. However, this type of care setting provides a supportive environment for your parents.
This care setting will give your parents the much-needed relief they need while maintaining their independence. However, these senior communities are more than residential spaces. They are vibrant communities designed for active and independent older adults.
Your parents can use many amenities, like recreational activities, social events, meal services, and transportation. These amenities help foster a sense of belonging and social engagement.
Yet, your parents may need more support than an independent living community offers.
Assisted Living Facilities (ADLs)
Assisted living facilities offer the next level of care. You want to consider this choice if your parents are struggling with one or both types of activities of daily living.
Basic activities of daily living (ADLs) are tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management.
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) include shopping, transportation, preparing meals, managing finances, and caring for your home, to name a few.
In assisted living residences, the staff will help your parents with daily living activities. So, you do not need to worry about missing work to help them.
Here, your parents will most likely live in an apartment-style unit. Yet, they will have access to a shared dining room and recreation space.
Assisted living communities are a safe and supportive environment, giving you the peace of mind you need. Yet, if your parents need around-the-clock care, they may need a higher level of care.
Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Home Services)
Maybe your parents need around-the-clock care for a medical condition or disability. If this sounds like them, a nursing home can give them the support they need. Skilled nursing facilities give your parents more care than the first two choices.
Your parents will get skilled nursing services, medical supervision, and rehabilitation services here. They will also get assistance with activities of daily living. The skilled nursing staff will also be able to give your mom and dad the around-the-clock care they need.
Yet, your parents may need a more specialized care setting.
Memory Care Facilities
You may have a parent with a memory impairment like Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. If you do, a memory care facility can best support them.
Memory care facilities specialize in caring for people with memory problems. This care setting is a secure, comfortable environment that will keep your parent(s) safe.
The staff here has specialized training to support people with memory issues. Your parent(s) will follow a structured routine and do memory-enhancing activities with the care staff. Some memory care facilities also offer speech therapy. With the care staff’s expertise, you can sleep well at night knowing that your parents are in good hands.
However, only one of your parents may need this type of care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
You may find that none of these choices match both of your parents. It is not uncommon for each parent to need different levels of care. Maybe you also learn that they want to stay in the same place as their needs evolve. Luckily, continuing care retirement communities can solve this issue.
A continuing care retirement community offers multiple levels of care, from independent living to skilled nursing care.
With many levels of care available, your parents can stay in the same place long-term. You will not need to find two different places to meet their needs. They can remain in the same place as their needs change. For example, they can start with independent living and then move to nursing home care.
Typically, continuing care retirement communities have entry and ongoing monthly fees. Yet, many find that these fees are a good tradeoff because of the peace of mind you get.
Yet, these big senior living communities are not for everyone.
Residential Care Homes (Board and Care Homes)
Your parents may want personalized care and support in a home-like setting. Yet, home health care is not the right fit for them. No need to worry. They can get this at a residential care home.
A residential care home is smaller and privately owned. It has a larger staff-to-resident ratio than other senior living choices. So your parents can get individualized care and attention easier.
Each of the senior living community choices can support your parents’ needs. However, when it comes to end-of-life care, you may want to consider the last option we will cover: hospice.
Hospice Care Facilities
Hospice care offers end-of-life care for people who have a terminal illness. Doctors may recommend if your parent(s) has six months or less to live.
Terminal illnesses are life-threatening medical conditions, such as some cancers, ALS, and dementia, to name a few. The illnesses will not go away with medical treatment.
Hospice staff has the training to assist them with managing their pain and other symptoms. They can also give emotional, spiritual, and practical support during the end-of-life journey. Some long-term care insurance will help cover the costs of hospice, but it will depend on your plan.
Discussing Senior Living Communities with Your Parents
Now that you know some of the choices available, let’s discuss how to share your concerns with your parents.
It is best to approach this topic with empathy and understanding. You can start by sharing your concerns with your parents. Calmly share why they should move into a senior living community.
As you talk, listen to their feelings and concerns about each option. It is best to come prepared to listen to their wants and needs openly and honestly. Their feedback is critical. It can influence the outcome of what you decide on.
While you discuss the choices, make sure to look at many factors. Looking at many factors is vital because it can improve their quality of life and satisfaction with the choice. It would be best if you looked at things like:
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- Staff-to-Resident Ratio: Pick a staff-to-resident ratio that best supports their needs.
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- Safety & Cleanliness: Select a place that is clean and safe.
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- Quality of Meals & Activities: Your parents need tasty, nutritious food and social activities they like.
Nutrition and social activities can have a positive impact on their health, well-being, satisfaction, and quality of life.
- Quality of Meals & Activities: Your parents need tasty, nutritious food and social activities they like.
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- Level of Medical Care: Make sure they can get the care they need.
Each senior living community has unique services, amenities, and levels of care. So, pick one that is best for your parents.
How Careplan Care Managers Can Help You
We understand you may need additional help with your decision. That is okay. This is a big decision. You do not need to stress. Our team has your back.
Careplan Care Managers also own Care Placements. Care Placements specializes in placing older adults in the proper care setting.
You can sign up for our services by contacting us to set up a consultation. During the consultation, we will evaluate the best care plan and placement option for your parents.
Our care managers are knowledgeable about all of the available choices. They have even worked with many senior living communities in Northeast Ohio. So, our team can help your family make the best decision for your parents.
