When you don’t live close enough to your parents to visit regularly, you may not be aware of their increasing struggle with everyday chores. We often remember them as we last saw them but the reality may be quite different.
The passage of time may have made them a little less independent as before. Maybe they now need more help then they earlier did. Not only is it important to understand that this may happen eventually, it is also important to prepare for it.
The three steps listed below will help you prepare for long term senior care in Long Beach.
Know The Signs
Different people age differently. There is no specific age at which a senior must consider moving into a senior care facility. The age will be different for each person.
Rather than looking only at age, it’s more important to know what signs to look for that signify that senior care may be the better option.
Any one or more of the signs below may mean that it is time to consider senior care for your loved one:
• Struggling to carry out everyday chores
• Increasing forgetfulness and lapses in memory
• Problems with driving, from getting one too many traffic tickets to car accidents
• Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming
• Neglecting their once immaculately kept surroundings
• Mental health issues leading to obvious behavioral changes such as depression, mood swings, delusion, or paranoia
• Too many unpaid bills and unopened envelopes
Make A Long-Term Care Action Plan
Start by having a family discussion to decide the best way to proceed. Include your loved ones in the discussion so they don’t feel like they are being abandoned when the time comes.
Check out the different senior care facilities in Long Beach so you know your options and also get cost estimates. Speak to your financial advisor, an elder law attorney, and a geriatric care coordinator to know more about getting financial assistance,
Medicaid eligibility and other aspects of making this move. These are all experts in their various fields and can give you valuable advice based on their experience having dealt with several other families under similar circumstances.
Choose The Best Senior Care Option
Now that you’ve explored all your options regarding senior care facilities as well as the financial aspect, you will be in a better position to make an informed decision.
There are essentially 3 broad options that you will be able to choose from depending on your parents’ health.
If your loved ones are fairly independent and only need occasional help, you may want to look for an in-home caregiver to help them out with the chores they can’t manage on their own. Most seniors usually need help with cleaning, shopping and cooking.
A residential care home, assisted living facility or a retirement community may be a better option if your loved one has minimum medical needs but does need a helping hand with basic daily activities.
A skilled nursing facility may be the best option if your loved requires more extensive health care assistance.
The best time to start making plans is when you first notice these signs in your loved ones. You know it will only get worse as they age and it is better to start exploring your options right away while keeping your loved ones informed so they can get used to the idea, which will make the transition so much easier for them.
