Questions our clients frequently ask about elder care.
How do you know when your elderly parent needs assistance?
When your elderly loved one is no longer able to perform their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, taking their medicine. Unfortunately this can come up suddenly after a stroke, fall, or other illness. It is important to know your options and costs.
What are Activities of Daily Living (ADL)?
Activities of Daily Living are non-medical needs addressed daily for a senior to have good care, such as dressing, bathing, transfer to a chair, meal prep, toileting, etc.
What are the different levels of care for seniors?
Levels of senior care include:
Independent Living – When seniors are capable of taking care of themselves. These are typically retirees who live separated from those who need assistance, even in the same community setting.
Assisted Living – Seniors at this level will need some kind of assistance in their ADLs. Within this level, there are many types of assistance one could require, including those listed above.
Skilled Nursing Facility – These are for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. The purpose of these facilities is to recover and get stronger, leading up to a transfer to another facility that requires less specialized work.
Board and Care – A Board and Care is a residential home that can house and take care of about 6 seniors. This is a much closer relationship between senior and caretaker and is typically cheaper than living in an assisted living community.
Memory Care – This type of care is specialized for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other mental health issues. The facilities here have better-trained staff, more professionals on call, and increased security.
Can you bring your pet to an assisted living community?
Yes! Many facilities allow small pets to accompany their elderly mom or pop. However, not all facilities allow pets.
Where do I start to find a place for my elderly parent, sibling, or spouse?
Finding the right help for your elderly loved one can be an overwhelming task to take on. Luckily, you have free resources. Senior living consultants, or SLCs, are third-party professionals who help families find the right place for the right price. Many senior living consultants work at no cost to the family they help.
Are senior living facilities safe since COVID arrived?
Not all senior living facilities are created equally. To avoid being scammed or tricked into a dangerous community, it is best to consult a third-party agent like an A Right Place for Seniors SLC for help in picking the best options.
If you have more specific questions, you can always contact one of our senior living consultants. They are local to your area and have a wealth of knowledge. Visit arightplaceforseniors.com/locations/ to find your local SLC’s contact information, or go to arightplaceforseniors.com/contact/ and fill out the form for help.
