After multiple discussions with your family, you’ve finally decided to start senior care. Now the real work begins as you explore all the eldercare options and choose the best one based on your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Trying to make sense of all the long-term senior care programs out there isn’t easy. Using the following senior care guide as a reference will help ensure that all your wishes are honored even as your needs change.
What is a Nursing Home?
Although it can be cost-prohibitive, moving into a nursing home gives you immediate access to 24-hour supervision and multiple levels of care. While there, services may include housing, housekeeping, medical care, and personal care. If you require rehabilitation services or have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, many long-term care facilities offer those services too.
How much does a nursing home cost?
Senior care program costs vary by state and services rendered. On average, the monthly cost of a semi-private nursing home room is around $7,900, while a private room will run you roughly $9,000.
What is Assisted Living?
If you can still take care of yourself but cannot remain in your home, an assisted living community may be the answer. Assisted living is ideal for aging individuals who cannot completely live safely on their own, including those with cognitive issues that make them forget important tasks, such as taking their medications as prescribed.
In addition to housing, most provide support for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) like bathing, personal hygiene, meals, and medication reminders. Although these communities are not required to have a registered nurse (RN) on duty, many offer licensed practical nursing (LPN) care and memory care units.
How much does assisted living cost?
The average monthly cost of an assisted living community in the U.S. is approximately $4,500.
What is Adult Day Care?
This type of eldercare is ideal for seniors who require minimal to moderate supervision and assistance throughout the day. Adult daycare facilities provide a variety of services, including exercise, health screenings, physical therapy, medical care, nutritious meals, transportation, counseling, and more. Any senior considering adult day care should be in good mental and physical health and not require daily medical care.
How much does adult day care cost?
On average, you can expect to pay about $1,700 a month for adult day care.
What is Senior Home Care?
In-home care, as the name implies, enables older adults to remain in their private residences while receiving the care they need. Based on an initial assessment, home care may involve anything from bathing, dressing, and eating to light housekeeping, medication assistance, companionship, and transportation.
As a more flexible eldercare option, most providers offer services that include live-in care, dementia care, and around-the-clock care. If you are comfortable having a healthcare professional in your home, this option allows you to maintain your quality of life without having to move or travel someplace else to get the care you need.
How much does home care cost?
The median cost of professional home care is roughly $4,900 per month. Most providers let you customize a home care program and pay for services by the hour ($16 to $28) or day.
Why Home Care Makes Perfect Sense
If you are like most seniors, home is where the heart is. There is no substitute for sleeping in your own bed, bathing in your private bathroom, watching your favorite TV shows, or cooking in your kitchen – all while enjoying unrestricted access to family and friends.
In general, seniors who age in place tend to be happier, healthier and even live longer than those who don’t. Aging adults who opt for home care can eat, participate in activities, and socialize without being required to follow a strict routine.
For seniors who are otherwise healthy enough to remain in their homes, it’s hard to beat home care when all is said and done!
Family Trusted Home Care for Seniors in South Bend, IN
Finding a trustworthy home care provider with the services you need can be frustrating. At Senior1Care, our dedicated, compassionate professionals deliver exceptional care to individuals seeking dependable ways to maintain their independent lifestyles. In business since 2006, our unique scope of services ranges from personal care and household services to dementia care, family consultation, and geriatric care counseling.
We are a local, family-owned, and operated home care company with services that can be uniquely tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. To learn more about Senior1Care or schedule an assessment for yourself or a loved one in South Bend, Granger, Osceola, or Mishawaka, IN, please visit us by clicking here now.
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