Planning for long-term care involves a wide range of variables. Oftentimes, a senior may be completely independent and self-sufficient for years, and then experience a sudden illness or injury and suddenly require assistance in order to remain safe and independent at home. For many families with senior loved ones, determining the right option for their care can be challenging.
Advanced Home Health Care understands the confusion surrounding planning for care needs, and we have compiled the following list of tips to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to long-term care:
Minor care at home may be needed if the senior:
- Requires some assistance and reminders with bathing and dressing, toilet use, grooming, or taking medications
- Could benefit from socialization and activities
More intense care at home may be needed if the senior:
- Would probably require assistance in an emergency
- Falls frequently or needs stand-by assistance for walking or transferring
- Requires reminders and assistance with bathing and dressing, toilet use, grooming, taking medications, eating and/or communicating
- Needs encouragement and reminders to participate in activities
- Is sometimes disoriented or is impacted by mild memory impairment
Full-time care at home may be needed if the senior:
- Would require major assistance in an emergency
- Always needs assistance with transferring
- Requires heavy assistance with bathing and dressing, toilet use, grooming, taking medications, eating and/or communicating
- Can only participate in social activities with an escort
- Struggles with mild confusion, impaired memory, and poor orientation
Skilled nursing care at home may be needed if the senior:
- Requires pain management
- Has had surgery or an injury that requires wound management
- Has a feeding tube or catheter
- Requires medication administration or injections
Advanced Home Health Care’s Burlington senior care experts can assess your senior loved one to help determine the right type and amount of home care or home health care he or she needs. Contact us to learn more about our caregiver services and how we can help your family plan for long-term care.
