Choosing a New Place to Call Home

If your aging loved one is struggling to live independently because of mobility problems, health conditions, cognitive decline, or vision problems, then considering an assisted living community or nursing home may be a viable option. Because the levels of care and services provided can vary widely depending upon which assisted living or nursing home you choose, you will need to discuss your loved one's situation with a senior living placement advisor. Here are some things that the senior living placement advisor will need to know about your loved one so that they can recommend the best possible senior living options for them.

Current Medical Problems

If your loved one has serious health problems that prevent them from participating in their own care, the senior living placement advisor may recommend placement in a nursing home as opposed to an assisted living facility, where residents are typically able to meet some of their personal needs.

If your senior loved one requires total care as a result of a paralyzing stroke or other catastrophic illness, then an assisted living facility may not be an option. Stroke patients, seniors recovering from hip replacement surgery, and people recovering from illnesses that have caused profound weakness and deconditioning, may greatly benefit from the physical therapy programs offered at skilled nursing home facilities.

Dementia And Memory Problems

The senior living placement advisor may also ask about dementia, cognitive decline, and memory problems that your loved one may have. If the individual has any of these conditions, the advisor may recommend placement in a memory care facility or in an Alzheimer's unit at a nursing home. Not only do these types of facilities provide medical care, but they also provide various programs to help boost brain function, memory recall, and cognitive function.

Dementia patients and those with severe cognitive and mental decline may benefit from participating in these programs because, in addition to enhancing mental function, they may also help enhance the person's ability to perform their activities of daily living.

Many seniors who are cognitively impaired have forgotten or are unable to feed themselves, brush their teeth, get dressed, or bathe themselves. The staff at a memory care facility or Alzheimer's unit at a nursing home can help reteach the resident how to perform these basic skills so that they can become more independent.

If your loved one is facing challenges because of living alone, contact an assisted living facility or nursing home to discuss your concerns with a senior living placement advisor. After they have learned as much as they can about your loved one, they can then recommend the best possible living arrangements for the individual to help enhance their health and happiness.