Exploring Options When a Loved One Requires More Daily Care
When a parent or another loved one starts to show signs of slowing down, struggling to handle the ADLs (activities of daily living), or falling; it may be time to look into better care options for both their safety and well-being. Other signs your loved one would benefit from a more extensive care plan is they are no longer driving, and are becoming increasingly more isolated, which in itself is linked to things like an increase in depression and chronic diseases.
A loving family’s initial thought may be to have mom or dad move in with them. Experts caution before such a step, consider the various care the person needs now and will most likely need over the next few years. If you do not feel capable of assisting the person with their daily care, it is important to factor in the cost of bringing in outside help.
The PRB resource center reports: As the large Baby Boom generation enters advanced ages, more family members and other unpaid helpers are stepping in as caregivers. In just over a decade, the number of family caregivers regularly assisting older adults with daily activities at home grew by 32%, increasing from 18.2 million to 24.1 million between 2011 and 2022.” Additionally, an AARP national study found on average; family caregivers are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities that may include having to cut back on their work schedule due to caregiving duties.
If you choose to hire outside caregivers, it is important to remember the cost of in-home care can be even higher than assisted living communities. Experts say the general rule of thumb is if 40 hours or more per week of paid home care is required, home care is actually more expensive than assisted living. Remember assisted living communities like MorningStar of Parker offer suites with handicap accessible bathrooms and 24/7 emergency call systems as well as assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), medication management or other personal care services.
Another important benefit of senior living is they offer easy companionship, nutritional, tasty meals; and peace of mind knowing someone is always around if you need help. Also, most offer meaningful wellness programs and activities geared toward the interests and needs of residents. If you are afraid mom or dad may hate the idea, the A Place for Mom website reports many family members say while their parents or relatives resisted the idea at first; they quickly grew to love their new community.
The MorningStar of Parker senior living community is honored to provide luxury independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a variety of configurations, floor plans and even buildings. Our maintenance-free living includes beautiful, spacious suites; 5-star dining, an array of resort-style amenities and more with 49 independent living suites and 54 assisted living suites in a choice of floorplans. For adults with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Reflections Neighborhood has a total of 43 suites in a choice of studio or one-bedroom units. Contact us to learn more, or to set up a personalized tour of our desirable retirement communities.
Source: aarp.org/research/topics/care/info-2016/family-caregivers-cost-survey.html?intcmp=AE-CAR-LEG-IL