Where’s the Best Place for Your Senior Loved One to Live?

As seniors age, they may not be able to do some of the things they used to do, including many activities of daily living. Depending on their lifestyles, medical needs, and level of independence, seniors and their families must assess which housing options make the most sense. It’s important to think not only about their current situations but also about what might be best in future years. There are numerous choices for elder care available, and one single type isn’t right for all seniors. Make sure to talk with your senior family member if possible and thoroughly research each option.

Independent Living or Retirement Communities 

Designed exclusively for older adults in relatively good health, these homes, apartments, and other living spaces are senior friendly, with low upkeep and maintenance. There are typically abundant opportunities for socialization, recreation, and transportation. 

Assisted Living Communities

These facilities offer housing for seniors who may no longer be able to live on their own yet aren’t totally dependent on around-the-clock care. They may require help with taking medications, dressing, and other tasks. Licensed nurses are available if needed, and there are social activities and transportation services offered.

Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading at-home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.

Nursing Homes & Skilled Nursing Care Facilities 

Here, residents who require constant medical care are assisted around the clock by licensed nurses and skilled staff. At this point, the senior is approaching the need for total care and/or has a condition that will continue to progress. Residents share rooms in most cases and eat in a central dining area. There’s usually transportation to medical appointments. Family members are primarily responsible for any outings for the individual on a scheduled basis. 

Memory Care Communities—Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 

These communities are specifically designed around the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. In these communities, you’ll often find neighborhoods or designated areas for people in various stages of the disease. Activities are focused around cognitive ability. 

Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Columbia Assisting Hands Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. 

At Home

Living in the safety and security of their own homes, seniors have the freedom of nonrestrictive settings that give them more control than some other housing options. They generally get to be with their loved ones more often and have greater peace of mind knowing they’re retaining their independence. Seniors can also remain active in their communities if they wish. For individuals who live with dementia, a familiar in-home environment is particularly comforting. Home care is personalized, with caregivers who provide one-on-one attention, whether helping with medication reminders or preparing healthy meals. The risk of infection, which is higher in group facilities, is also minimized.

Flexible and attentive to every need, home caregivers take a personal interest in the seniors they serve, engaging them in meaningful mental, physical, and social activities in the comfort of home. By assisting seniors with transportation, hygiene, and other tasks, in-home caregivers can help aging adults enjoy a higher quality of life. With so many housing options, it’s best to extensively consider what your loved one prefers and what level of care he or she requires. Go with your intuition as well as your loved one’s best interests. Perhaps the best answer is right at home.

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. Columbia families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today.