When it comes to choosing housing for an elderly loved one, a variety of alternatives is available. Depending on the level of care needed, the issue is deciding on the alternative that best fits the individual. Elinor Ginzler, director for livable communities in the Office of Social Impact at AARP, advises families to recognize that the loved one's housing needs may change over time.
Step 1
Research the kinds of independent living options available for the elderly. Independent living communities offer housing for older adults who are able to manage on their own. Candidates for this kind of housing want to live independently in a community of peers, are basically in good health, no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a home and are able to care for themselves. Independent housing choices include senior apartments, low-income housing and retirement communities, which may be groups of single-family homes, condominiums or attached townhouses. These types of retirement communities generally offer a number of optional services and amenities.
Step 2
Determine if bringing help into the home might be the solution, at least for a while. For an elderly person who wants to remain at home for as long as possible, companion care may be the answer. The goal is to get the loved one the help she needs to function safely within a familiar environment and keep her from being lonely.
Step 3
Contact community-service agencies to learn about in-home care for a loved one in declining health who still wishes to remain in her own home. A number of services are available to seniors who need help with cooking, household tasks, transportation, bathing and other activities of daily living. Choosing the appropriate home-care services can improve the loved one's quality of life and at the same time keep her in her own home, according to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Step 4
Think about adult day care for the aging loved one who is living in your home. For adult children who work during the day, an adult day-care service is a practical option to fill the gap. Adult day-care services also give elderly people the opportunity to socialize. Although there are different types of adult day-care services, many have a nurse to administer medications.
Step 5
Consider the loved one's health status and medical needs when deciding if she should move to an assisted-living facility. Social connections, transportation needs, safety in the home, personal hygiene, medications and signs of memory loss are all factors to take into account. Assisted-living communities allow residents to maintain some degree of independence with the knowledge that there are support services to assist with personal care and other activities of daily living.
Step 6
Look into nursing-home care for the loved one who requires extensive care giving, as well as supervision on a continual basis. Those who fall often or have severe dementia or chronic health problems usually need the long-term care provided by a skilled nursing facility.
Tips and Warnings
- Senior centers are another option for those who are basically healthy and still live in their own homes. Activities are geared toward providing opportunities for socialization so that an older adult can remain socially active and does not become isolated at home.
