As your parents age, there’s a good chance that you will eventually need to make important decisions regarding their welfare. One of the most crucial decisions is when to consider seeking appropriate senior care. How can you find the right kinds of care for your aging parents? To achieve this goal, it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with all available senior living options. Once you gain this familiarity, you can start the process of helping your parents transition into a suitable program.
Senior Care Options for Parents
Senior care is a term used to describe a wide range of senior living options. These options include:
- Independent living facilities
- Assisted living facilities that provide substantial medical support
- Long-term skilled nursing facilities that provide a higher level of medical support
- Memory care facilities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
Each category of senior living has its own set of criteria for residency. Some providers offer multiple kinds of facilities in a single location. However, others only provide certain kinds of senior living options.
Senior Care for Parents – Talking About Suitable Options
As early as possible, let your parents know that it may be time to start considering senior living. This is not always the easiest conversation to have. Your parents may object to the notion of living in a facility. That can be especially true if they’re currently healthy and active. However, there are multiple reasons that even the most active seniors might want to consider such an idea. The list of those reasons includes things such as:
- A desire to downsize and enjoy more leisure time
- Freedom from the inevitable demands of home maintenance
- Avoidance of unexpected bills and other expenses
Tell your parents what you’ve learned about the various kinds of senior living facilities. Also, encourage them to start doing their own research. They just might find that there are options that appeal to them and suit their needs.
Senior Living for Parents – Comparing Facility Services
Not all senior living facilities are the same. Some facilities may only offer a limited range of services for their residents. Such options typically include dining and housekeeping services. However, other facilities take a more full-spectrum approach and offer numerous additional kinds of services. For example, they may provide specialized programs for things such as recreation, education, and nutritional support.
Comprehensive facilities may also provide an array of supportive health programs. Potential options include medication management and speech therapy. They also include physical and occupational therapy.
Senior Care Options for Parents – Touring Facilities
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to tour facilities on your shortlist. This step is absolutely vital for sound decision-making by you and your parents. If you live near facilities on your list, you can visit them in person. But as a more convenient alternative, many facilities provide virtual tours. Either option can give you a better feel for a facility and its general atmosphere. A tour will also allow your parents to familiarize themselves with their potential new home.
Learn More About Finding Senior Care for Parents at Parkway Place
Need help finding suitable senior living for your parents? The professionals at Parkway Place can help. Our extensive experience makes it possible for us to answer any questions you may have. We’re glad to help you sort out your options and arrange senior care for your parents.
Parkway Place is also a premier provider of this kind of care. Our full slate of senior living options will offer suitable choices no matter your parents’ needs. We also feature a vast range of supportive services. Call us today at 281.305.1846 for more information or fill out our convenient online form.