| It is never to early to learn about the types of | | | | In Home Care |
| assisted living, this information may be needed for a | | | | There are many associations and organizations that |
| friend, neighbor, family member or eventually for | | | | can help in this area. The senior can stay at home |
| ourselves. Be prepared and know what types of | | | | and have someone come in to help with cooking, |
| services are available, how much the cost will be, | | | | cleaning, washing clothes and various other services. |
| how to set up these services and who to contact. A | | | | This is if the senior only needs limited care with basic |
| good starting point is the Office On Aging, The | | | | household maintenance. |
| American | | | | Shared Housing |
| Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging and | | | | This is not only rewarding but saves on expenses for |
| AARP;although there are other resources too. | | | | the senior citizen. Two people can move in together |
| Families are increasingly involved with caring for an | | | | and share expenses and look out for each other. It |
| elder person at home and with the influx of Baby | | | | may mean splitting all of the cost of running the |
| Boomers this number will rise. This can be one of the | | | | household or a monthly rent. |
| most rewarding things a family member can do but it | | | | Adult Foster Care |
| can also be one of the most challenging. Family | | | | Many families are willing to take in a senior citizen to |
| members have to learn new skills, be willing to give | | | | care for them and find that this is a very rewarding |
| up their time and deal with many unfamiliar problems. | | | | experience. It could be that their children don't have |
| The elder person must also have emotional support | | | | grandparents, a retired CNA or nurse may open their |
| and be able to be involved in the decisions that are | | | | home, some one that cares is willing to adopt a |
| made. This can take a toll on the caregiver both | | | | senior and care for them. |
| emotionally and physically and the caregiver must | | | | Adult Day-Care |
| take care of themselves so their body and mind stay | | | | The individual is dropped off at a daycare provider |
| strong. | | | | and is there for set hours, normally their meals are |
| The elder person may have different types of | | | | provided, they are in a nurturing atmosphere, they |
| problems and the caregiver should be knowledgable | | | | receive their medication as needed and they are |
| about each one in order to give the best care some | | | | around other people, but most of all they are cared |
| of the areas may be; breathing problems, | | | | for and safe. |
| incontinence, bone weakness, constipation, | | | | Group Homes |
| forgetfulness, hearing problems, pain, swallowing | | | | Seniors live in a home with other seniors and a |
| problems, sleeping and many others. It is best if the | | | | caregiver. These are normally with a 6 person |
| caregiver is allowed access to the physician of choice | | | | maximum per home and have a family atmosphere. |
| at the very least for questions on care. | | | | The individuals work together to make a home |
| Independent Living | | | | environment although they each have separate |
| Seniors would like to live on their own for as long as | | | | accommodations. |
| possible and there are ways of helping to make this | | | | Assisted Living |
| a good experience for the senior citizen. set up Meals | | | | An room type setting in which the person may have |
| on Wheels to make sure they have at least one | | | | some of their own furniture, meals are furnished for |
| good meal a day and they don't have to cook, | | | | them and washing clothes may be added for an |
| possibly contact a meal site and have the Handi-care | | | | extra charge. Medical staff is on hand and administers |
| bus come to pick them up at their home on a daily | | | | medication and takes care of minor problems that |
| basis, this helps to get them out of the house and | | | | arise. It is a home where there are staff to assist |
| around other people with the plus of being in control | | | | the senior only, not take over 100% of the care. |
| and an independent life. The Handi-care bus can also | | | | Nursing Homes |
| be available for doctor appointments and various | | | | Comprehensive care may be needed on a daily basis, |
| other services. If the person is affiliated with a | | | | not only medically but physically. Medical staff is on |
| church it is wise to check to see what services are | | | | duty twenty four hours a day, medications are given, |
| available through the church office. | | | | therapy may also be given. Rooms may be shared |
| Retirement Homes | | | | giving the room a dorm-like atmosphere. All meals are |
| An apartment like atmosphere that is inside a central | | | | provided and some have a snack bar or coffee |
| community with medical staff available is something | | | | center for in-between. This is where twenty four |
| that makes a senior feel safe and yet independent. | | | | hour care is necessary. |
| Their apartment is a room that is large enough to | | | | The choice is up to the individual as to how they |
| hold a bed, T.V., dresser, table, favorite chair and a | | | | would like to proceed. If the individual can no longer |
| few other small pieces of furniture and may have | | | | live alone, they may opt for any one of the |
| pictures hung on the wall to make it a home within a | | | | remaining solutions, but at least they know that they |
| home. Medical staff will give the medication and is | | | | have a choice as to where and how they are going |
| available if needed although not for long term | | | | to live. Helping to make that transition easier for |
| extensive care. The person may come and go as | | | | them and a good experience helps to make the |
| they wish and keep a car on premise should they | | | | person feel secure and confident that they made the |
| have one available. | | | | right decision. |