Choosing elderly long-term care for a loved one is one of the most critical decisions adult children can make when it comes time to find a place for someone who needs more specific care than they can provide at home. When choosing to place your loved one in elderly long-term care, there could be some challenges you may face – and you should be educated on what types of care facilities there are. Here at Clover Care Home, we have a professional staff that rises above the rest!

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 75% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will be admitted to an elderly long term care facility by age 80, compared with 4% of the general population. Although most seniors who need care receive it at home from family or friends, those with Alzheimer’s or any type of memory issues are much more likely to receive care in an elderly long term care facility. Finding the right place for someone you love can be difficult, and before you can select a home to move your loved one to, you must know what sort of care they need. In 2023, common elderly long-term care options typically include:

• Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care and assistance to individuals with complex medical needs or disabilities. They offer various services, including assistance with daily activities, medication management, rehabilitation therapies, and round-the-clock supervision by skilled nursing staff.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living facilities are residential communities designed for seniors who require assistance with daily activities but do not need constant medical care. They offer bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management support. Assisted living facilities typically provide social and recreational activities and may have on-site healthcare services.
• Memory Care Units: Memory care units are specialized facilities within nursing homes or assisted living communities that cater specifically to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. They have staff trained to handle the unique needs of residents with memory impairments, offering secure environments, structured routines, and memory-stimulating activities.
• Home Care: Home care services allow seniors to receive assistance while remaining home. This type of care can include personal care, household chores, medication management, and companionship. Home care can be provided by family caregivers, professional caregivers, or home care agencies.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): CCRCs offer a range of care options within a single community, allowing residents to transition between independent living, assisted living, and nursing care as their needs change over time. They provide a continuum of care, often with amenities and social activities to promote an active lifestyle.
• Hospice Care: Hospice care provides comfort and support for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. It is usually offered in the home or specialized hospice facilities, aiming to manage pain and symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and ensure a dignified end-of-life experience.

It’s essential to remember that the availability and specific services offered may vary depending on the location and individual preferences. Some care facilities provide varying levels of care in one place, such as assisted living for residents who just need some minor help with the activities of daily living (ADLs); skilled nursing is more appropriate for those with more severe conditions and requires daily nursing care; and for those with advanced dementia or memory problems, a facility that provides memory care as part of elderly long-term care is a better choice. In addition to considering the level of care your loved one needs, you should also consider whether your loved one would prefer living downtown or outside the city, in the same community where they currently live, or in another town closer to the family. Would a place that allows pets, provide medical management or other services be their preference? You could also ask your loved one’s primary physician and your friends and family for their recommendations. Remembering your loved one while finding a care facility is most important.

Many factors should be considered when choosing elderly long-term care. At Clover Care Home, we welcome your call and your visits. We provide one-on-one, compassionate care for all our residents and strive to offer the most comprehensive, skilled care possible. If you are looking for a safe elderly long term care option, please contact us at (913) 991-2605 and schedule an appointment.