Understanding What You Need

When the time comes, you need to understand what your loved one will require from a care home. This will be a stressful period for you, your loved one and your family, but if you get it right from the start then it will be a much smoother transition. There are multiple types of care available such as personal care, supervisory care and directed care. When you are looking for a home you will want one that can provide the level of care your loved one needs.

The key points to consider are:

1. What Medical Issues Exist and What Care is Needed: This is the key to picking the right home. If you are caring directly for your loved one, then you will know what they need when deciding on a home. If you are not the direct caregiver, then speak with those who are and to your family doctor. Take detailed notes about what type of care is needed and ensure that the potential home can provide the care needed.
2. How Autonomous Is My Loved One: You may need to take a step back to get a good answer to this one. Take an objective look at what your parent or loved one needs to carry out a comfortable daily routine. Imagine that you or their existing caregiver is not around and think about how your loved one would do on their own. How independent are they now? This will give you a good idea of what is needed for their care and what type of home you should be looking at for them. Always talk to medical care staff too, so you know what is necessary for their day-to-day living.
3. Are There Special Non-medical Needs: This is an important consideration and fits in with the question of independent living. Is your loved one mobile but maybe not so good on stairs? Maybe your Dad likes his peace and quiet and would not be happy in a very social home. Others in need of care may like certain types of food and may even have a specialized diet. Does the home you are looking at provide the right menu and will your parent or loved one like the food they offer? These may seem like small considerations but for long-term care they make a world of difference.
4. What Kind Of Proximity Do You Need To Your Loved One: Some families are very close and will like to see their loved ones daily and at a time that suits them. If this is true for you, then you need to find a home that has open visiting hours and is a short distance from your home. You also need to understand that a trip to see Mom or Dad will become a regular one and you do not want to be traveling miles every weekend for the next few years. Finding a home nearby can benefit both you and your loved one.

Having clear answers to these key points will make it easier for you to find a home suitable for your loved one. Schedule a tour of the potential care facility, and keep in mind what you are looking for and how important it is for these key needs to be met.

To learn more about assisted living, please visit our website at http://www.aparadiseforparents.com, email us at Cam@aparadiseforparents.com or call (Cam) at 602-526-9586.