Long-Term Care Options for an Elderly Parent

Your parents took good care of you, so it is difficult to see them struggle to care for themselves. Not all nursing homes are the cold, sterile places they are thought to be, and there many other options depending on the level of care needed.

Stay-at-Home

If your parent is mostly independent and needs help with just a few daily living activities, it might make sense for them to remain at home. A home health aid can make a daily visit to assist as needed. You can also have an occupational therapist come to the house and assess your parent. The therapist will recommend safety changes such as grab bars. The therapist can also teach exercises for balance and strength that will help your parent perform daily tasks more safely. If your parent is eligible for a Medicaid program, states offer adult foster care Massachusetts. Some of these programs allow your parent to remain at home with a caregiver, who can be a family member.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a good fit if your parent needs a fair amount of help with daily living activities, but they are still ambulatory. Most assisted living facilities offer various levels of assistance, so your parent can get what they need. Generally, your parent will have their own apartment, but there will be lots of common areas to socialize with other residents.

Nursing Home

Your parent will need a nursing home if they need around the clock care. Nursing homes are staffed with medical professionals and provide 24-hour supervision. Your parents will receive all their meals and assistance with all daily living activities. After your parent moves into a nursing home, the best thing you can do is stay involved and encourage them to get to know their fellow residents.

Growing older is inevitable, but we can help make sure our parents stay happy and healthy by finding them the care that works best for them.