If there is one thing we can be sure about, it is that life continues to evolve. When you have aging family members that need care, it can be difficult to wrap your head around the levels of support they need – and how to ensure that care continues throughout all the stages of their life and aging process.
The Continuum of care is a generalized range of services an individual may need as they age. It grows in intensity and assistance as needs emerge. The continuum of care assesses a person’s current physical abilities and limitations, health concerns, available public benefits, and cost of care – and considers what they may need as they age. The continuum covers independent living through in-home care, assisted living, memory facilities, and the steps along the way.
When a loved one is in need of these types of services and begins their journey down this path, the family must make many difficult decisions regarding their care – and their finances. The emotional and financial cost of finding the right care at the right price can be overwhelming.
Continuum of Care Options
The continuum of care can help to evaluate and choose the situation best suited to each individual’s unique needs and preferences. Depending on the senior’s financial resources, healthcare requirements, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), and eligibility for public resources, different residences or solutions may provide the best situation.
While there are many residential options for seniors, the most common include independent living (with or without in-home care) assisted living residences, memory care facilities, and skilled nursing care facilities. Some facilities may be continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that offer several levels of care in the same community. These communities give the individual the option to join the continuum of care and adjust the amount of future care as needed without moving.
- Adult residences provide independent living opportunities in a community with peers. Residents can typically live on their own with little to no assistance needed.
- Assisted living facilities provide as much independence as is appropriate while providing the physical security and supervision that provides peace of mind. Assisted living facilities generally offer social events, meals, housekeeping, medication management, and help with errands and transportation.
- Memory care centers provide specialized care for those individuals who are suffering from cognitive impairment. Care is provided at the level needed, with special emphasis on activities and environments that support memory loss patients.
- Many assisted living and memory care centers also offer respite and hospice care. Respite care provides a temporary stay for individuals when their family caregivers need a break, and hospice care provides end-of-life services for residents and families.
It can be challenging for families to know – or to agree – exactly where their loved one falls on the continuum of care. While some family members may think home care is appropriate, others may believe that assisted living is necessary. An unbiased third party is often the best resource for families, as they have in-depth knowledge of all of the local residence options and a clear outside view of the situation.
Assistance with Senior Living Choices
Senior placement experts work with families who are seeking assistance to place their senior loved one. With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming for adult children to make these important decisions.
When you work with a senior placement professional, you can be assured that you are making a choice that is right for your family. My Care Finders is a compassionate and highly recommended senior placement firm providing FREE assistance to
