Could you or a loved one use some help with daily tasks? If so, the great news is that there are many options to choose from. The first decision you’ll need to make is what might serve you best – bringing services into your home or making a new home in a community.
The following is a general summary of what you could expect from both senior care communities and home care services. Start by comparing the two here and then conduct your own online research. Don’t forget to ask friends and family for any referrals. Just remember that not all senior care is the same so you’ll want to schedule a tour and speak directly to any communities or in-home service providers before you make a final decision.
Assisted living communities
If you choose the right community, there doesn’t seem to be a downside to assisted living. Whether you’ve been worrying about living alone, no longer want the upkeep or maintenance of a house or don’t want to bother your children to help out, a thriving community may be your answer. Here’s what you should look for.
Independence
There’s help if you need it with daily activities, such as getting dressed, preparing food or light housekeeping, but you won’t be asked to sacrifice living life on your own terms. Make sure to look for communities that promote person-directed living, which means you will be making the same decisions as you currently do – from how to spend your days or nights, what and when to eat and what activities to choose.
Social interactions
The right community makes it easy to make new friends with opportunities that are almost endless. Look for a full social calendar of activities and amenities that you can share as you meet your neighbors, whether it’s a yoga class, dining together over a fine meal or having a quiet conversation during a walk.
Entertainment and exercise
Perhaps one of the bigger advantages of assisted living is that you’ll no longer have to drive to take a swim, get to your gym, attend a lecture or enjoy time pursuing your artistic side. The right place for you should offer a long list of physical and social opportunities that you can enjoy and find most of them right outside your door.
Transportation
If you no longer enjoy driving, put away your keys and search for a community that offers scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping or entertainment. You can fill in any gaps with private ride services. Most people say they love no longer feeling that they have to impose on anyone for a ride.
Safe and secure
The right assisted living community can be the answer if you have any fears about safety and want to live in a secure environment. Look for those who offer 24-hour security and have someone on-site 24/7 just in case you become ill or have an injury. It’s comforting to know you’re never truly alone.
In-home services
For those who would still like to remain in their current home but could use a little assistance around the house, finding a company that brings help to you could be the perfect match. Begin your search looking for those businesses that offer the type and quality of services you need.
Range of services
Decide what you’re looking for. Do you need help with shopping? Maybe you could use assistance with daily activities such as bathing, managing your medications or providing transportation to appointments. Are you rehabilitating or recovering from surgery, injury or illness and need support? Make sure the services they offer are high-quality and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Finding the right match
You’ll develop a personal relationship with the caregiver who comes to your home so you’ll want to make sure the two of you are compatible. Different personality styles don’t always create a well-matched fit. Ask those companies you’re considering how they will choose the caregiver for you and what steps they take if it isn’t working out.
You’re not a one-size-fits-all
Your caregiving requirements won’t be the same as someone else’s. Look for companies that will help you determine your specific needs and will prepare a personalized plan. Ask about their process for staying up to date on any changes or with any progress you may be making if rehabilitating.
Work only with reputable businesses
Your caregiver will be coming to your home. Make sure you are working only with reputable and qualified businesses or agencies. What certifications do they have? Can they give you referrals? What standards do they use to hire, train and supervise their caregivers? They should also take care of hiring, firing, conducting background checks and completing the payroll process for your caregiver.
At Ingleside, home is wherever you are
We would welcome you to Wesminster at Lake Ridge’s assisted living or we can bring our services to you. Whether we’re helping you create your new home or providing a caregiver through our attribute-matching and screening system, our goal is to support you in a fulfilling and engaged life, wherever you may be living. We’d be happy to discuss all of our services and your options.
Please call (703) 794-4631 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.