It is a difficult decision that everyone must make at some point: choosing elderly care for your loved one. As the child or capable family member, it is now your responsibility to make the decision as to what type of care is best. Keep in mind that there are several options for your loved one; and there are also support organizations to help with this stressful process.

The first option for your senior parent is in-home care. This means having your elderly parent(s) move in with you so that you can provide all or most of their care. Though this may be a lower cost option for you, it may also mean more stress. The task of caring for a senior can be very daunting. Your job will be feeding, washing, dispensing medicines and changing adult diapers if needed. Various people may be entering your home to give your loved one any needed therapies. You can not be home all of the time so you may need to rely on the aid of other family members to help when you are not home.

Another elderly care option would be in-home with the assistance of various professionals. Nurses and/or elder care personnel can be hired to come to your home for several hours a day. Be sure to check references of any individual coming into your home to care for your parent. Often, churches have a network of individuals who can come to your home to help with various tasks (such as cooking, feeding, and more).

If your loved one has less than six months of life remaining, you can obtain Hospice care. Hospice is covered by most types of insurance and is able to assist in every aspect of caring for your loved one at home. A hospice team usually consists of doctors, clergy, nurses, and volunteers.

Nursing homes should also be considered for your senior parent. These homes are for those who can no longer care for oneself and need continual medical care. Nursing home facilities are staffed by doctors, nurses, aids, various therapists, and more. They constantly see to the medical and emotional needs of your loved one.

If your elderly parent is mobile but should not be alone, an assisted living facility may be the answer. This type of facility may be more like apartment living and is staffed with medical professionals just in case. Residents have the freedom to move about and enjoy various activities arranged by and supervised staff. They can take part in such things as dancing lessons, exercise classes and so on. Your loved one will have independence with the luxury of a medical staff if needed.

Remember that as this whole process is difficult for you, it is probably more stressful for your loved one. They might feel as though they are losing everything they have (including their freedom). They may also feel as though they are nothing but a burden now. Communicate with them. Ask for their input.

Also talk to their doctors to see what they feel might be the best for your parent. Choosing elderly care for your loved one will not be quite as stressful if you make use of all available support groups and if you keep the lines of communication open with everyone involved.

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Category: Family Concerns
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