It can be very difficult witnessing your aging parent have trouble with independent living. They may even need medical supervision. When choosing the best elder care option, you want to be sure what options are available, and what is best for your senior. While some people may jump to the conclusion that placing a senior inside an assisted living facility or nursing home, home care is an option that you and your senior are most comfortable with. However, it is important to note the differences between all three.

In a nursing home, most of the resident may require 24-hour nursing supervision, as they may have demanding medical needs. In addition, they may need help with three or more regular daily tasks than is usually necessary. As far as living arrangements go, a nursing home is not so much different than a hospital. Your parent may find themselves sharing a room, and thus there is little privacy.

With assisted living, residents are in more or less decent health with minimal medical needs. Residents could live or without caregiver assistance, and have the capacity to live independently. However, they choose to live in a community environment for convenience and safety reasons. They may have some problems with mobility that interfere with food preparation, and cleaning. In contrast to nursing homes, residents live in private apartments. If required, emergency assistance is available.

If you feel that neither a nursing home or assisted living are the best options for your senior, you and your parent may look to home care. They may not have the full physical mobility they enjoyed in their younger years, but there are private in-home caregivers who can provide your senior with making sure they take their medications, preparing meals, and companionship. If your senior is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, there are home care givers who can assist in this area as well.

Selecting long-term senior care involves many factors, such as privacy, location, or staff turnover at certain facilities. These are all important issues to research when choosing between a nursing home, assisted living facility, or home care for your senior.

When researching elder care, the end goal is to make sure that your senior is happy and will be safe. While many will turn to an assisted living facility or nursing home, be aware that home care options are available so your parent can maintain a good degree of the home health they enjoyed in their younger years. 

Home Care Austin provides elder care and senior care in Austin. Call us today at 512-347-9207.