Deciding on long-term care for a parent is never easy. You face many difficult choices and may not even be sure what the best option is for your parent.
What types of long-term care are available, and which one is suitable for your elderly parent?
Why do people need long-term care?
Long-term care is a type of health care that helps people with chronic illnesses or disabilities live as independently as possible. It can include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as more complex medical tasks such as managing medications and providing wound care.
Long-term care can be provided in a variety of settings, including:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Personal care homes
- Independent living apartment
- Adult daycare
- In-home care
With people living longer than ever, it’s increasingly common for children to find themselves having to make decisions about their parents’ care. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you’re not sure what type of care your parent needs.
The first step is to talk with your parent about their health and any concerns they may have. Once you have a better understanding of their needs, you can start researching the different types of care available.
Home care or adult day care may be suitable options if your parent is relatively healthy and just needs some help with day-to-day tasks. However, if your parent has more complex health needs, it may be necessary to consider assisted living or skilled nursing home care.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of care for your elderly parent is to work closely with them to ensure that their needs are met in the best possible way.