Transitioning your elderly loved one from at-home care to facility care can be a grievous journey, but it doesn’t have to be. When a loved one hits an advanced age that requires 24-hour caretaking and ongoing support, it can be overwhelming for family members and necessary for them to receive outside support.

In this article, we will discuss finding the appropriate caretaking situation for your loved one and the right questions to ask before making a decision.

Caretaking Options for Seniors

It is difficult to transition from independent living to living with caretakers. Many seniors might feel a loss of independence, insecurity, and confusion during big life changes. Supporting them through this big transition can also be overwhelming. Let’s discuss different living situations and what to look for before making a big decision:

Family Care

Some families feel qualified and capable of providing care to their senior relatives or friends as they age and need more assistance. This is a great option that serves both parties. Seniors are more in need of socialization than ever before. Their world is often confined to their home due to physical and mental limitations, but that does not mean they don’t get lonely.

Some families thrive under these conditions and feel fulfillment as they help their elderly loved ones achieve daily tasks and take advantage of their close proximity.

Respite

For families who love to have their senior family member at home but need a day off of caretaking to accomplish tasks or even go on vacation, respite care is a great program to assist caretakers. When used properly, respite helps elderly people socialize with those outside of their homes, engage in the community, and try new activities.

Respite centers offer different types of resources, from temporary housing at larger elderly-care facilities to independent healthcare workers and employees who come to your home for companionship and other needs.

Private Caretakers

You can hire a CNA, RN, or even a companion depending on the level of care and expertise you are looking for in a caretaker. If you are looking for an RN to come in at night so you can get a good night’s sleep, you can stipulate that in your job ad. Just remember to run background checks and check credentials before allowing this person into your home or to be alone with your loved one.

Assisted Living

Assisted living can have many options, from independent living situations with the added care of professionals in the form of medical and nutritional care to living facilities where all needs are met inside one building. When looking at assisted living situations, it is important to fully vet the facility and caretakers before entrusting your loved one to them. Here is a list of vital interview questions for caregivers:

You might ask:

• Who manages medication, and how is it distributed?
• How often does the housekeeper come, and can we have their contact information?
• What time are meals served? What if my loved one refuses to eat?
• Are there transportation services available, and who will accompany my loved one outside of the facility?
• Are there laundry facilities, and is there assistance should my loved one need help?
• How often will the CNA or nurse assist my loved one to the bathroom? How often will the CNA check catheters and undergarments if they are nonverbal?
• Who will assist my loved in in grooming and dressing?
• Is there a room sign-in sheet to track who comes and goes and at what time?
• What safety measures are in place (bed railings, cameras, number of employees)
• Where are the cameras located in the facility, and how often are they monitored?
• If my loved one becomes confused, irritable, or violent due to dementia, what steps are in place to ensure their safety and the safety of the staff? Please walk me through the scenario.

Summary

There are many options for your loved ones when they need advanced caretaking options. The questions and resources outlined in this article will help you on the journey to enjoying the twilight years of your loved one’s life while feeling confident you made the best decision.