What type of senior care is right for your elderly loved one? If you’ve got an elderly loved one in need of care, you want them to have the best care they can possibly get. But different elderly people, just like people of any age, have different needs, and you want to make sure to match the right kind of care with the right person.
Here are some of the different kinds and levels of senior care to help you determine which one is the best fit for your elderly loved one. Senior care New Jersey can help you for long-term care.
In-Home Aide
An in-home aide is a situation that allows the senior person to stay in his or her own home and to get assistance with activities of daily living from a trained home health care aide. A home aide can accompany the senior at times ranging from around the clock to once a week, depending upon the needs of the senior and their ability to pay. Cost varies according to the specifics of the situation.
Independent Living
Independent living is the most minimal level of care for a senior community. Also known as retirement communities, these are communities where the residents live in private apartments. They usually have customized meal packages they can buy, and planned social outing and entertainment options. These seniors have few medical problems and are mostly independent.
Residential Care
Residential care homes, also called group homes, are living situations where seniors live together in a private home where live-in caretakers, or caretakers with day and night shifts, are on hand to provide assistance with the activities of daily living. Medication assistance and other nursing services are often provided. These situations are similar to assisted living but often provide a greater sense of independence for the residents. Residential care homes and independent living communities run about $1500 to $3000 a month on average.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is the next level of senior care. These seniors, usually due to health problems, are not able to live on their own safely. They can receive assistance with medication and activities of daily living. Meals and housekeeping services are provided, with 24-hour staff available for emergencies. The best assisted-living communities will have licensed nursing services on hand. These communities may cost between $2500 and $4000 a month, and Medicaid may be applicable.
Memory Care
Caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s can be extremely difficult and challenging. It can take a major psychological toll in addition to the physical stresses it can create. At a memory care facility, residents have 24-hour support and structured activities to maximize their safety and quality of life. Memory care is usually a subset of care in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Residents’ living areas are typically enclosed and secured so that residents do not accidentally wander off.
Nursing Home
A nursing home is a place for seniors who need a higher level of care than a standard assisted living facility can typically provide. Residents receive full-time medical care, meals, housekeeping, and some activities. Physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals typically make up much of the staff. Nursing care and memory care can run from $3000 to $8000 a month on average.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is a specific situation involving care for patients who are terminally ill. There are hospice facilities for this purpose, although hospice care can also be administered at home. Hospice care facilities have hospice nurses on hand, who are trained at keeping patients comfortable and helping patients and their families make the most of their remaining time together. The cost of hospice care can vary depending upon the specific situation.
