Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Options for elderly care run the spectrum, depending on the senior’s needs. Some seniors need minimal assistance with daily tasks in order to live safely and comfortably in their own homes. Other seniors with chronic medical conditions require the constant care provided by nursing homes.

What elderly care option is right for your loved one?

That depends on a variety of factors that you examine with your loved one's physician. It also depends on you taking an honest look at your own situation and availability to provide assistance. A geriatric care manager also can advise you on the best elderly care option for your loved one.

Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers are trained and experienced in helping seniors achieve the highest quality of life and maximum functional potential.

Geriatric care managers also serve the families of seniors, advising them on available elderly care resources and helping them gain the knowledge and skills to confidently and competently assist in their loved one's care.

Geriatric care managers are especially helpful to families whose loved ones face significant challenges from chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Senior Care Options

Geriatric care managers help families coordinate a variety of elderly care resources to meet seniors’ complete needs. They connect families with providers of the most appropriate elderly care options for their loved ones, such as the following:

• In-home elderly care is an option in which caregivers visit the home to provide assistance with activities of daily living. In-home care providers allow family members to be as involved as much or as little in their loved one's care as they wish or are able.
• Assisted living is a residential care option that serves seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living but do not require the health care services of a nursing home.
• A nursing home or skilled nursing facility provides seniors with 24-hour nursing coverage.
• Continuing care communities offer various levels of elderly care in one location. This allows seniors to easily move from one level to another, from independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation care and skilled nursing, as their needs change.

Choosing elder care for your senior loved one is a complicated, emotional decision. A geriatric care manager helps you look at all your options, so you make the best decision.