When facing the reality of an aging parent, many people wonder how they can provide their loved ones with the best care possible. Your parents looked after your needs when you were growing up, and now it is your turn to look after theirs as they grow old. One way to find support is by looking for care options for your senior parents.
Senior living services are helpful by offering older adults the precise level of care they need while helping them maintain their independence. Buckner Retirement Services offers various levels of care for seniors. Read on to learn how to determine the level of care for the seniors in your life, and call 214.227.7182 to discover more about Buckner Retirement Services.
When to Find Senior Living Care
It’s important to recognize when your parent needs extra help or care. You can start by considering how they are managing their day-to-day activities. If they can no longer manage the basics like dressing themselves, bathing, eating, and taking medications as prescribed, then it may be time to consider looking for senior living services that provide assistance.
Additionally, if your parent is showing signs of loneliness or depression, then senior living may be the right option for them. A senior living community can provide them with opportunities to interact with other seniors and care staff and keep their minds engaged. A change of scenery can often provide a renewed sense of purpose, as well.
Levels of Care for Seniors
There are several care options for your senior parents, depending on their individual needs. Some older adults need little assistance, while others require more extensive daily care. The following are some of the most common types of care your parent may receive.
Long-Term Skilled Nursing
When it comes to older adults with medical needs, there are numerous types of nursing care for seniors. Long-term nursing care is for residents with chronic or ongoing health needs that require daily care for an extended period of time. This type of care may include seniors with conditions like stroke, heart disease, and more.
Respite Care
Respite care is a type of nursing care that is for short-term purposes. It is an option for a senior whose usual caretaker is unavailable for a short period of time or for seniors who only need care for a short time, such as an older adult recovering from major surgery or a recent illness.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is for seniors who require more care than can be provided by visiting their homes. In an assisted living community, senior adults reside in a home with on-site nursing and care staff to provide 24/7 assistance. This type of care is best for older adults who struggle with Alzheimer’s, severe mobility issues, or other debilitating conditions.
Since there are many care options for your senior parents, determining which one is right for them can help provide the right support on a daily basis.
How to Determine the Level of Care Your Parents Need
Determining the level of care your aging parent needs can be tricky. You may not be able to evaluate the degree of assistance they need on your own. Senior care professionals provide customized assessments to determine which type of care will best meet your loved one’s needs.
Needs Assessment for Seniors
A needs assessment is the best way to determine the level of care your elderly parent requires. A needs assessment for seniors is a helpful tool to evaluate an older adult’s unique care requirements. During a needs assessment, a professional in senior care will assess the following aspects of your loved one’s daily life:
- Behavioral and cognitive condition
- Medical concerns and healthcare needs
- Personal care (hygiene, dietary requirements, etc.)
- Mobility level and functional capabilities
- Any special support (oxygen, wheelchairs, medications, etc.)
Evaluating these factors determines the precise level of care your elderly parent will need daily. This assessment helps senior care professionals develop a unique senior living plan for your loved ones that will provide them with their daily needs and create an environment where they can thrive.
Senior Care Options in Texas from Buckner Retirement Services
Are you unsure what level of care your elderly parent needs? Buckner Retirement Services provides several senior care options in Houston, Texas. We will work directly with you and your loved ones to evaluate their needs and determine the best senior living choice.
To schedule an appointment with one of our senior care professionals, please contact Buckner Retirement Services at 214.227.7182 today.