Choosing an Elder Care Facilities – Which One is Right for You?
Does your loved one need more care and supervision than you can provide at home? Are you at a loss about what type of facility or home is appropriate for your Mom or Dad? This blog is dedicated to describing the different types of homes and facilities that are available for your loved one. The bottom line is that the type of home or facility that is appropriate for your loved one depends upon the level of care and supervision he needs based upon his medical condition and the degree of independence or dependence your family member has in their daily life activities (toileting, bathing, meal preparation, social activities).
There are several different types of elder care facilities. They include:
Adult daycare. Adult daycare includes programs, services, and facilities designed to assist elders who are either mentally or physically impaired. Adult daycare gives daily caregivers relief from their duties. Respite workers take care of the elder for specified amounts of time, a concept similar to baby-sitting (except, in this case, adult sitting). Adult daycare is an option for adults who already have a primary in-home caregiver and who do not want or need to live in a residential institution.
In-home nurses. In-home nurses provide assistance for elders who are minimally self-sufficient and only need help in daily activities. In-home nurses go to the home of the elder to assist him or her on a daily basis, but only for several hour increments.
Residential care facilities. Residential care facilities are also known as “assisted living facilities.” They are housing options for elders who are in-between stages. They do not yet need 24-hour nursing home care but can no longer live independently. Residents who live in residential care facilities are no longer safe to live on their own but do not require care and supervision. Board and care homes, also known as personal care homes, residential care facilities, assisted living and domiciliary care, provide rooms, meals, laundry, and housekeeping in exchange for rent.
Nursing homes. Nursing homes are the final option. Nursing homes are also referred to as skilled nursing facilities. Nursing homes are appropriate for individuals who can no longer take care of themselves, need assistance with activities of daily living and require 24-hour nursing care. Nursing home employees care for residents on a daily basis, helping them with tasks such as going to the bathroom, eating, and bathing, as well as providing nursing care. Many nursing homes provide physical therapy and rehabilitation for individuals recovering from surgery.
Any time you leave your loved one in the hands of someone else, you risk the chance that he or she will be abused or neglected. Unfortunately, elder abuse and neglect can happen in all of the above settings. The best way to avoid exposing your loved one to abuse and neglect is to carefully choose the correct program, nurse, or facility that you trust. And visit your loved one frequently. Be involved in their care plan.
York Law Firm is comprised of Sacramento based lawyers that handle elder abuse and nursing home neglect cases. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, please call our office so that we can investigate your case at 916-643-2200 or contact us online. We are dedicated to representing families whose elders and dependent adults have been injured, neglected, or abused.