How To Tell If Specific Kinds Of Aging Care Are Right For You

By Tim Conlee

As you age, the idea that you may not be able to look after yourself or live independently becomes clearer. The choice to give up your home may be one of the hardest decisions that you will ever make. But did you know that you might not have to give up your home right away? It's true. Knowing what the different aging care choices are can help you make the decision that gets you the right level of care for your stage of life.

You need to understand that if someone suffers from certain medical conditions they may need very specialised care that will make some health care choices unacceptable. They can include Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, care following a massive stroke or heart attack, or even something like arthritis, where mobility can be profoundly affected.

Do you feel that you are in good health but need assistance with daily chores and tasks? If you are still mentally aware, have good balance and mobility, and are not in an altered mental state, you may be able to remain in your home and simply hire a nurse to come in. This can be great for some health conditions such as diabetes, where some specialised foot care may be needed but overall health is still fairly good.

There are also retirement homes, which may also be called assisted living facilities. These are fantastic if your health is good but you no longer want to live in your home or you want more companionship. One of the biggest problems that many elderly people can face is the feeling of isolation and the depression it can bring. Facilities where you still have your own living quarters but are around other people and can take part in activities may be what you need. Many retirement residences are now installing an alarm system into their residents' rooms so that if there is a medical emergency, staff can be alerted with the press of a button.

Nursing care facilities may be the next step that you will consider. Normally, a person is admitted into a nursing home when they have significant physical or mental impairments that make any level of self-care impossible. They usually have less segregated living arrangements and activities which are less varied or active. People who are suffering from altered mental states due to disease or the after effects of a stroke may require a room in a nursing facility.

Palliative care is not simply for the aging. It provides quality end of life care to those who are expected to pass away imminently. This may include people suffering from cancer or other diseases. This type of facility is often a facility of last resort, when people are too ill even for a nursing home. Often people will pass away in a nursing home rather than in palliative care but if a disease is very advanced, they may be moved either to a separate facility or to a designated area of a nursing facility.

You need to think beyond the immediate situation when determining whether a specific aging care arrangement is right for you. By learning about the aging process and any specific needs you have you can find a facility that will help you grow old gracefully and enjoy any remaining years you may have.

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