As our parents age, it can be difficult to accept that they may need more help than they once did. The roles often start to reverse, with adult children stepping in to provide the support their parents once gave them. But with so many different types of elder care available, deciding what kind of help your parents truly need can be overwhelming. Understanding the options can help you make informed decisions that ensure your loved ones receive the care they deserve.
Elder care, also known as elder care or geriatric care, encompasses a variety of services designed to support the health, well-being, and daily needs of older adults. The type of care your parents may require depends on their health, mobility, mental acuity, and level of independence. Below, we explore some of the most common types of elder care available.
As your parents grow older, they may still be fairly independent but struggle with the small tasks that make up daily life, “known as activities of daily living.” Personal assistance, also known as companion care, is a service that provides non-medical support for these day-to-day activities. This type of care focuses on improving your parents’ quality of life through social interaction, assistance with chores, and companionship.
What It Includes:
Who It’s For:
Companion care is ideal for elders who are still relatively independent but could benefit from having someone to help them manage daily tasks and provide companionship. It’s also a great option for families who live far away and want peace of mind knowing someone is regularly checking in on their loved ones.
For elders with more significant medical needs, home health care provides skilled nursing and therapy services in the comfort of their homes. This type of care is often prescribed by a doctor and is carried out by licensed professionals, such as nurses, nursing assistants, home health aides, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
What It Includes:
Who It’s For: Home health care is suitable for elders who have been recently discharged from the hospital, those managing chronic illnesses, or those who need ongoing medical attention at home.
Care management services offer a holistic approach to elder care, providing a dedicated professional who helps coordinate all aspects of your parent’s care. This service can be invaluable, especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities or live far away.
What It Includes:
Who It’s For: Care management services are ideal for families who need expert guidance in managing their parent’s care, especially when dealing with complex medical issues or navigating long-term care options. It’s also beneficial for those who are overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving, or live far away, and need help ensuring their loved one receives consistent, high-quality care.
If your parents need more comprehensive care than what can be provided at home but don’t require the round-the-clock medical care of a nursing home, assisted living might be the right choice. Assisted living facilities offer a balance between independence and support, providing help with daily activities while allowing elders to live in a community setting.
What It Includes:
Who It’s For: Assisted living is ideal for elders who need help with daily activities but still want to live in a community where they can socialize and participate in activities. It’s a good middle-ground for those who need more support than can be provided at home but don’t need full-time medical care.
For elders with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, memory care offers specialized support tailored to their unique needs. Memory care units are typically part of larger assisted living facilities, providing a secure environment and trained staff to ensure the safety and well-being of residents with memory impairments.
What Memory Care Communities Include:
In-Home Memory Care: In-home memory care allows elders with dementia to receive care in the comfort of their own home, providing companionship and support while offering peace of mind for family caregivers. The level of care can range from occasional help with household tasks to round-the-clock supervision, depending on the individual’s needs.
Like memory care communities, in-home caregivers assist with daily living activities and social engagement. However, the one-on-one attention of in-home care can foster a stronger bond between the elder and their caregiver. It’s important to request caregivers with specialized dementia training, as not all home care aides are required to be certified in dementia care.
In-Home Memory Care Services May Include:
Who It’s For: Memory care communities are ideal for elders diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia who require a secure, structured environment with 24-hour supervision. For those in the earlier stages of dementia, in-home memory care offers the option to age at home while receiving personalized care and support. The choice between a community setting and in-home care depends on the individual’s needs, preferences, and the level of care required.
If you or another family member is the primary caregiver for your aging parents, respite care can provide temporary or regular relief. This type of care allows you to take a break, whether for a few hours, a few days, or even longer, knowing that your parents are in capable hands.
What It Includes:
Who It’s For: Respite care is a great option for family caregivers who need time off to rest, travel, or manage their responsibilities, or who need extra help during a family emergency. It’s also a way to try out professional care services before making a more permanent decision.
Deciding on the right type of care for your aging parents is a deeply personal decision that depends on their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. It’s essential to have open conversations with your parents about their wishes and involve them in the decision-making process whenever possible.
By understanding the different types of elder care available, you can ask providers questions about what services they offer and make informed choices that ensure your parents receive the best possible care, allowing them to age with dignity and comfort. Whether it’s providing companionship, managing health care needs, or finding the right living situation, the goal is always to support your parents in a way that honors their independence while meeting their needs.