Elder Care and Transitions

Working through Life’s Changes

The transition for a senior in New Jersey from living an independent life and then having to suddenly rely on others for help with day-to-day living activities can be difficult. For their whole lives our parents have been able to live in their own homes and care for themselves. However, gradually some must learn to depend upon others for care. This struggle is faced not only by seniors, but also their families who must either begin to care for their elderly loved-one or make the decision to find other New Jersey elder care options.

Often seniors are resistant to change and find it difficult to adjust to living in a nursing home or other out-of-home care service facility. They have established routines and it can be a struggle to suddenly change everything about their life that they have grown used to over the years. The elder person is not sleeping in their own bed and they are eating intuitional food. 

Family Decisions

When New Jersey seniors are no longer able to properly care for themselves their families must begin to make important and sometimes difficult decisions.  It can be a joy to care for an elderly loved one but what if the family doesn’t have the time because of a job or lives far away and does not have the ability to provide proper elder care?  Fortunately there are several options; nursing homes, other care centers and perhaps most important, in-home care.

In-Home Elder Care

This type of care is convenient for both the senior and their family. A trained caregiver visits the senior in their own home. The type of care provided can include: 

• Respite Care—temporary relief for seniors with illnesses or injuries and their families;
• Companion Care—assistance with the instrumental  activities of daily living which include recreational activities such as  grocery shopping, meal preparation and transportation;
• Personal Care—assistance with the activities daily living which  include hygiene, bathing, toileting, and other personal needs;
• In-Home Safety Technologies—keeps seniors safe when alone with using personal electronic response systems; medical dispensers to correctly dispense medications and  other technology to ensure constant safety;
• Dementia Care—professional care for elderly loved-ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related elder care;
• In home care can be for a few hours every day to 24/7 live-in.

Seniors face a difficult shift in lifestyle as they go from independent living to relying upon others for care. As their way of life changes, it is important for family members to be sensitive to the needs of their elderly loved ones during this transition.