Ensuring your loved one receives enough support means looking for the right type of care. After all, they may need additional assistance with daily tasks like cleaning, bathing, getting dressed, and, if applicable, taking medications at the right time.
But with so many different options in care for seniors, how do you know which one is right for your loved one? What’s considered the best type of care can vary from person to person, depending on where they would be most comfortable, how much support they require, and from whom they’d like to receive care.
Let’s review the different kinds of care available for older persons to help you and your loved one make a better-informed decision for their well-being.
If you or your loved one is an Ontario resident, you can check out the types of care offered at Seasons Retirement Communities in Ontario.
Assisted living is a type of care for seniors looking for alternative living arrangements, usually a residence in a retirement community.
This option is popular, as assisted living offers more than just standard care and a place of residence. People who stay in retirement homes benefit from feeling like they’re part of a larger community, with plenty of friends and neighbours to keep them company.
While it’s important to note that the services provided can vary from place to place, assisted living usually includes:
Staff who provide these services are trained to be friendly and welcoming, allowing older adults to feel safe and comfortable in their care.
However, it’s important to note that assisted living programs usually emphasize assistance with daily tasks versus the skilled care typically provided at long-term care residences.
Independent living is designed for older adults who prefer to live with more autonomy. These individuals may not require ongoing medical attention or regular care but want access to social opportunities and recreational programs.
Among the different types of care, independent living is the one most suited for older persons who want to maintain control over aspects of their day-to-day lives.
Those who opt for independent living often take residence in apartment-style homes or townhouses equipped with security, emergency call systems, amenities, and more.
If independent living is suitable for your loved one, consider Seasons Retirement Communities.
Alberta residents can check out more information on the types of care offered at Seasons Retirement Communities in Alberta.
Another type of care for seniors is nursing homes. These homes provide housing and allow for the long-term care of older adults who live with medical conditions or are recovering.
Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical care for those who can’t be cared for at home, including personal care and meal preparation, and living spaces may either be private or shared, depending on the home.
Next on our list of types of senior care is respite care, also frequently referred to as convalescent care.
This type of care is offered in allotted periods during the day when a caregiver is too occupied with work or travel to provide sufficient care for their loved one, whether at home or an adult day centre.
The specific services provided by respite care can depend on the provider, but generally, it involves:
Depending on the level of care needed, respite care may range from one day a week to several weeks.
In-home care can be a desirable option for loved ones who prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home.
This type of care requires a skilled caregiver to help with daily living tasks. They may develop an individualized care plan to assist with food preparation, getting dressed, delivering medications, and more.
This option is suitable for older adults who only require a small amount of support and prefer to minimize disruption to their current lifestyle.
Pricing for in-home care can vary depending on how much assistance your loved one needs. However, it’s important to note that in-home care may be more expensive than assisted living care when you account for caretaking and home maintenance costs.
We hope that reviewing the various types of senior care helps you and your loved one decide on what care to opt for. It’s crucial to weigh each option carefully to ensure your loved one can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
If assisted living, independent living, or independent supportive living sounds right for your loved one, consider Seasons Retirement Communities.
Residents living at Seasons benefit from well-balanced meals, various activities and social events, and the ability to focus on doing what makes them happy without the burden of everyday stressors like chores.
Our Ontario locations also offer memory care, while our Alberta locations offer various levels of Continuing Care Home Type B (formerly known as Designated Supportive Living). For more information, get in touch with us today.