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Nursing homes used to be the only choice for aging loved ones, but thanks to new types of senior housing (from assisted living and home care, to independent living facilities and more) there is an option for every level of needed care. But with so many choices, adult children who are researching senior housing options on behalf of or with their parent(s), may suffer from not only confusion but indecision.
When it comes to deciding what senior living option is the best, there's not only the concern of payments but of people to be considered. While it's true that senior housing is financially taxing and–depending on the type–must be paid for privately, there are also emotional and logistical factors to be thought of.
“The difficulty is downsizing. It’s hard for people to give up their possessions. It’s not a clear-cut manner in which they emerge from their former lifestyle,” says Jeanne Chitty, former director of resident services for Brandon Oaks, a premier retirement community in Roanoke, VA.
“As people live longer, there is more of a chance they will need continuing long-term care. You have to consider where you feel is most appropriate for your parents to live when they get older,” adds Nicole Twoey-Cieslewicz, a licensed registered occupational therapist. “Can they take care of themselves? Do they need a little assistance in the home? Or do they need 100 percent assistance and 24-hour nursing care?”
While senior housing communities do everything they can to help residents with their transitions, it’s important for adult children to remember that ultimately, they're trying to do what's best for their parent.
“As a caregiver, you can’t get angry,” says Chitty. “People, in some cases, are dealing with a loss of dignity. It’s our job to help them age with grace.”
Your best bet in dealing with this decision is by arming yourself with information. Get a head start by learning the basics about continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), independent living, assisted living, and home care. Once you'll do, you'll be better prepared to determine the degree of care your loved one needs.
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