As humans, it is one of the most challenging tasks to take care of our elders. It is possible that a senior will need to be cared for by their family members. It can be emotionally draining to watch someone you love no longer be able to take care of themselves. When that happens, you need to find an assisted living facility.
How do I know what type of care I need?
Charting ADLs (activities of daily living) is one way to determine the level of senior care needed. It helps professionals understand how a senior can perform routines and other activities that contribute to daily living. These routines were broken into six categories.
- Feeding
- Continence
- Transferring
- Toileting
- Bedding
- Bathing
Once the pros are done measuring the ADL’S, they also need to take into account broader activities so they can evaluate and understand further the kind of care that your senior loved one needs. These include:
- Payment of the bills
- Cleaning the house
- Making your own food
- Transporting themselves out of your house
- Socializing
Signs that it is time for assisted living
There are a few signs that indicate it is time to consider assisted living in Myrte Beach. Many of these symptoms are related to activities of daily life and can be explained medically. This could indicate that the senior is suffering from depression or has dementia. Bad odors, for example, could indicate that they are unable to bathe or don’t have the strength. They may not be able to pay their bills on time, or they might have difficulty understanding numbers. What are the signs that your loved one is in need of professional assistance regarding their living situation?
Worsening Medical Conditions
The likelihood of developing a chronic condition increases as seniors age. According to the AARP, more than 70 million seniors (age 50 or older) suffer from at least one chronic medical condition. These can include debilitating conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. As they age, seniors with chronic conditions such as these need more medical attention. They also become less capable of caring for themselves.
Monetary Issues
Many seniors are less able to manage their finances. Seniors don’t always have the energy or motivation to pay their bills. Seniors with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, can have difficulty thinking abstractly and interpreting complex numbers. This can cause problems when it comes to taxes and managing multiple bills at once. Financial scams are also common among seniors. These scams can leave seniors with debilitating financial situations that can make it difficult for them to take care of their own finances, whether they live in their home or not.
Isolation
According to the U.S. Census, more than 11 million seniors live in isolation. This can have a serious impact on seniors’ health. Seniors who are isolated may decrease their participation in hobbies or social interactions with friends and family, or simply leave the house altogether. Isolation can lead to several health problems.
Messy Living Spaces
Untidy or odorous living spaces can be an indicator that a senior is not able to live independently. This can be explained by a senior’s inability to clean up after himself. It can lead to a loss of independence and a reduced ability to vacuum, clean dishes, or even put dishes in the dishwasher. You should also look at what your loved one eats. Take a look at the contents of your fridge. Are there any spoiled foods stacked on top? Is there a lot of food past the expiration date? Are there many of the same foods, such as leftovers from the same restaurant? These signs could indicate that your loved one is unable to cook or doesn’t eat healthy meals. A senior might have trouble living independently if their home is messy and smelly.
Poor hygiene and frailty
A loved one might be able to care for themselves, but if they lack the motivation or ability to do so, it could indicate that assisted living may be necessary. Bad hygiene can be reflected in a lack of motivation and messy grooming. It could also indicate that they are losing the ability to take care of themselves. As they age, seniors can become frailer and appear thinner or skinnier than they used to. This could be due to a deficiency in eating or a more serious medical condition that has not been treated yet.
What Types of Senior Care Are There?
There are many options available to ensure your loved ones are in the most capable hands. Let’s take a look at which type of care is best for you.
Nursing Homes
Patients who require long-term, attentive care can be provided 24/7 if they live in a nursing home. Nursing home stays are an average of two and a quarter years. A nursing home resident tends to have lower IADL and ADL scores.
Assisted Living
While assisted living facilities offer 24-hour care, they are not as intrusive as nursing homes. As with nursing homes, assisted living patients are expected to stay for the long-term. On average, they will stay for three years. Women are seven times more likely to be admitted to nursing homes than men. This is due to the longer life expectancy of women. While assisted living in Myrtle Beach allows residents to do many things on their own, but not up to a point where they can live comfortably or safely alone. Residents are provided with their own living areas and still have the freedom to interact with others. Residents are given meals, although some facilities allow residents to prepare their own meals.
Home Health Care
Because seniors can live in their own homes, home health care is most popular. It allows family members to visit them without restrictions. Some patients are able to travel outside the home depending on the care required. Home health care patients can receive a variety of services, from one to two times per week to 24 hours per day. Patients who receive home health care are often assisted by professionals. They can be provided hourly and are covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Independent Living Communities
These are also called retirement homes or villages. Independent living communities usually have residents who score high in ADL and IADL scores. This means that they are not likely to require a lot of medical attention. These communities usually have medical facilities. The community is full of people who are similar in age and have a sense of belonging, which can make the lifestyle more similar or even better. Seniors who live alone are especially benefited by these communities. The isolation that can lead to depression can affect your well-being, health, and overall well-being. A retirement village can provide a sense of community that can combat this. Retirement homes often offer entertainment and social activities such as tennis, golf, and gyms to keep senior citizens engaged. Because there is less need for 24-hour care, independent living communities can be one of the most affordable senior care options.
Hospice Care
It can be difficult to decide whether or not to place a loved one in hospice care. However, it is the most comfortable option for certain circumstances. The National Hospice Organization describes hospice care as “the model of quality, compassionate care for patients facing a life-limiting disease or injury.” It is designed to ensure that patients have the best possible quality of life. The Medicare website has extensive rules regarding hospice care. However, they mostly revolve around whether the care is treating or attempting to cure any type of illness.
Alzheimer’s Care
This care is designed for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease (memory loss) is the most common type of dementia. It can lead to immobilization in advanced stages. Alzheimer’s care is specifically tailored to the condition. Patients with Alzheimer’s are more likely to wander. It’s crucial to ensure that patients don’t leave the area. As with senior care, there are many options. Sometimes Alzheimer’s care can be integrated with other senior care such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Understanding the different types of senior care can help you and your loved one feel more confident and at ease when making this important decision.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for an assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.
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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/
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