When your parents or grandparents reach their elder years, their daily needs will likely change. Where once they could care for themselves, they may now require assistance.
Left alone, some senior citizens face dangers such as falling or forgetting to take their medication. You probably know that you can find a placement for your elder in a nursing home, but other options exist. Depending on your loved one’s abilities and needs, you may find an alternative that satisfies you and your elder.
Home care services
If your elder is healthy enough and not at a high risk of home-based accidents (falling, etc.), they may continue to live at home. However, they will likely need assistance. If you put home care services into place, they can remain safe from injury hazards while enjoying independence and freedom.
Daytime services
Again, if your senior family member remains relatively free of accident, illness and injury risks, they may only need help for part of the day. Many day programs for seniors are available. Another benefit of day programs is that your elder can still enjoy social time with their peers.
Continuing care retirement communities
These communities offer varying levels of medical care to the elderly, dependent on their needs. Elders can enjoy a community-style atmosphere while also cultivating long-term friendships. However, these long-term care arrangements are notoriously expensive.
Once you have determined which long-term care option is best for your elder, you need to identify ways to fund their living arrangements. An estate planning and long-term care advocate can help you address funding. For example, you could explore methods of asset preservation in your or your elder’s estate plan.
