8 Best Senior Care Options

With activities ranging from exercise classes to art lessons and trips away, active seniors will never be short of things to do, and their loved ones can rest assured that help is at hand should they need it. Wearing a medical smartwatch is recommended when taking part in these activities, especially those involving outdoor exercise, as they typically have heart-rate monitoring and display the weather forecast.

Respite care

Looking after a loved one can be both mentally and physically tiring, so it’s crucial to take a break from time to time. This is possible with respite care, where a senior is taken care of by a professional for an hour, day, or week. The service is paid by the hour or occasion, so you don’t have to hire the caregiver permanently. This may take place at home or in a care home for a short period. A medical alert system is useful for temporary caregivers to look up what medications the senior needs by checking the device’s reminder and medication dispenser, such as those offered by Philips Lifeline.

Hiring a caregiver

A professional caregiver looks after a senior at home. They visit daily, take care of household tasks and shopping, and accompany a person in their care to their appointments. It’s also the role of caregivers to assist with washing, grooming, dressing, and generally ensuring that all needs are met.

Alongside this practical help, they provide companionship and keep a close eye on the mental well-being of the person they care for. Finding a trustworthy caregiver can be challenging, but the service they provide is perfect for seniors who wish to stay in the comfort of their own homes.

Assisted living

Assisted living requires the senior to move to a care facility, where caregivers look after their needs while letting them go about freely if they wish. It provides long-term housing and support for daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication and vitamins. As such, it’s best suited for seniors with minor health problems. Medical alert systems can be of great help since there are numerous caregivers around in a care facility who can be alerted at any given time through a wearable portable device, such as that offered by Medical Guardian.

Residential care home

A residential care home is similar to assisted living, but it’s a significantly smaller community, usually not exceeding ten residents. This senior care option provides professional care in a home-like setting. The living space is a private house converted and staffed for small groups living together. Seniors receive personalized care since the professionals don’t have to divide their attention among numerous residents. Still, even residential workers will appreciate some extra aid to monitor a senior’s activities, and a medical alert system is helpful in this case.

Nursing homes

A nursing home is a facility for seniors who suffer from various ailments. As such, they need constant care. A nursing home’s caregivers provide this attention, as they operate 24/7 and ensure your loved one takes their medication and is able to carry out daily activities, such as eating and bathing. A medical alert system with fall detection comes in handy since seniors living here may be unsteady on their feet, and the device alerts the nursing home caregivers and the monitoring agency when a fall occurs.

Memory care

Memory care has been developed for people suffering from dementia, which is among the most common conditions that threaten a senior’s independence. Sadly, having dementia can also leave a person at high risk of accidents and injuries, so it’s crucial to have a care plan in place.

Memory care is a form of long-term aid that offers secure housing with 24/7 monitoring and sets up engaging activities like memory games, dancing, and listening to music. Still, even in this environment a senior with dementia can easily become unfamiliar with their surroundings, which can be dangerous. A medical alert system with GPS tracking is vital in such situations.

Hospice care

The aim of hospice care, which can take place at a care facility or at home, is to provide comfort for people in their final months. It ensures that your loved one doesn’t feel vulnerable, as medical professionals offer careful and compassionate assistance.

There’s a lot of pressure to make the right decisions for your loved one when they reach their senior years, but luckily there are many personalized care options to choose from. Ultimately, finding the right solution will benefit you and the person you’re helping, as you can be at peace knowing they’re being cared for in a way that suits them best.