When a loved one can no longer take care of themselves and needs assistance with day-to-day activities such as eating, bathing, and using the restroom, you may face a decision to put your loved one in a long-term care facility. This decision can be heartbreaking, but it is important to remember that by doing so, you are ensuring their safety in a comfortable setting with professional oversight. Further, your health and livelihood are equally as important and must be prioritized. Remember, you are not alone - millions of family caregivers around the country make the same decision every day.
When to consider long-term care
Caregiving is too demanding or conflicts with work and other obligations
Loved one wanders or demonstrates other unsafe behavior
You live far away from your loved one
Consider in-home care
If you are unable to provide care to your loved one, you also may want to consider in-home care as an alternative to a long-term care facility, particularly when your loved one is partially self-sufficient.
Below are some advantages of in-home care:
Ability to still spend time with them
Removes the burden of care from you; ability to rest
pexels-pixabay-276551.jpg541 KB
Types of long-term care facilities
There a wide variety of long-term care facilities, depending on the needs of your loved one.
Independent living
For seniors who are self-sufficient with only a minimal need for medical or personal care.
Offers the ability to socialize and participate in recreational activities with their peers
Assisted living
For seniors who are partially self-sufficient but need help with daily activities.
24-hr supervision is provided. These include assistance with daily activities and healthcare services
Activities include: eating, using the bathroom, bathing, medication, housekeeping, dressing
Residential care homes
Private homes where a group of residents are cared for by live-in caregivers
A more private, community-like analog of assisted living
Offers the ability to socialize and participate in recreational activities with their peers
Activities: daily activities, varies by home
Alzheimer's care
For seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer's
24-hr support with structures activities
Usually offered in assisted living facility and less often in nursing homes
Nursing homes
For seniors in need of constant care and lack the ability to live independently
Trained professional staff provide care and assistance with daily activities
Residents typically share a room and dine in a common area
