Eldercare: The Many Different Types Available

By Agatha Lebouef


While making a decision about eldercare is never easy, these days there are many different types and levels of care to consider. Whether you are searching for just a little bit of extra help or need full-time, around-the-clock care, there is an ideal choice for each and every situation. Here are some examples of eldercare options and what they include.

A convalescent home or nursing home is a facility that offers 24-hour care for those who are suffering from an illness that requires constant monitoring and attention or for those who cannot care for their basic daily needs at all and require assistance with a wide variety of tasks. Sometimes, a nursing home is only needed for a week or a few weeks, such as if a person has fallen and broken a bone and needs temporary help and rehabilitation. This might also be the case if a person has suffered a stroke and needs constant care and rehabilitative care.

Often a person is in good physical health but no longer able to handle personal tasks and needs some level of custodial care. This is also an option for someone who needs a little help but also doesn't want to live completely alone. An assisted living home might be a good option for this person. This type of facility offers a variety of social activities, while also providing whatever level of assistance is needed. You might need help with daily activities such as bathing or grooming or ensuring that you remember to take any needed medication. Also, when you live in an assisted living facility, your housekeeping, laundry and cooking chores are completed by the staff, which might make your life a great deal easier.

Sometimes, though, a person would prefer to remain in their home but does need help with many daily chores and activities, such as dressing, bathing, shopping, cleaning and cooking. In this case, you can find in-home care to make life a bit easier. This type of care does not include nursing care, beyond perhaps ensuring that medications are taken on time and properly. Like assisted living, this type of care is not covered by Medicaid, so this is an out-of-pocket expense entirely, but if your budget permits, this can be a great way for an individual or a couple to remain in their home safely and comfortably.

Yet another option to consider is a board & care facility, which also is known as a group home. This provides social interaction, as there are usually four or five other residents, but because the facility is actually in a home, it can be very comforting for the residents. Most board and care homes will provide care similar to in-home care and assisted living, such as help with grooming, as well as meal preparation and housekeeping.

It takes time to find the right facility for you or your loved one, and it can be helpful to use a service such as CarePlacement.com which takes into account all of your needs and your budget and looks for the best possible arrangement. Be sure to visit each facility yourself to determine if it is a place where you or your loved one will truly be comfortable.




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