Senior Care, also called geriatric care, refers to the care of senior citizens. It encompasses custodial care, adult day care, home care, long-term care, nursing homes, and direct patient care. Geriatric services involve assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and injuries that can cause the disability or death of senior citizens. Eldercare can be provided by a skilled health care team which may include a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurses (LPN/LVN), and licensed physical therapists. Other types of care included in elderly care include:
The most common type of geriatric care is provided by elder care homes and assisted living facilities. In assisted living, individuals live in residences or specialized apartments where they receive assistance with daily living activities, including meals, housekeeping, transportation, bathing, using the bathroom, getting dressed, and exercising. Facility services may include assisted living amenities such as groceries, recreation, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Some assisted living facilities are faith-based.
The other type of care provided is in senior care services. These are usually community-based or agency-based programs that help elderly adults and their caregivers, often referred to as Personal Care Professionals (PCPs), to live independently. In community-based programs, healthcare professionals work with the families of elder citizens to provide assistance such as housekeeping, meals, medication reminders, medication refills, and transportation to medical appointments. Agencies may employ trained caregivers to provide routine and emergency assistance to clients in a specific community. Some agencies offer respite care in seniors’ homes or caregiving facilities. These services are provided under contracts with a network of providers.
Agency-based programs provide assistance to seniors with disabilities who are not able to live on their own and need a specialized level of care. For instance, an independent living community may offer services such as housekeeping, transportation, bathing, and medication reminders. Other agencies offer respite care in a nursing facility or group home. Independent living community services also include providing assistance to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and developmental disabilities.
An independent senior living communities, residents typically have some contact with their own caregivers. Elderly residents can learn how to cook meals, take medications, perform chores, and take care of personal hygiene. They can also call for assistance if they find they are unable to perform these tasks themselves. Most independent senior living communities are staffed by professional therapists or doctors, licensed physical therapists, and physical or rehabilitative therapists. People interested to learn more about CDPAP agencies update New York can visit the site.
Assisted living homes are another type of senior care facility. In these facilities, there are usually several rooms with single beds or shared spaces where clients can live alone or with friends. It is often limited or no medical screening available for patients in assisted living facilities. Most assisted living homes provide limited, supervised nursing care and may not have the latest technologies, equipment, or personnel.
Both independent living and assisted living are beneficial choices for elderly individuals who need extra support but do not wish to stay in their own homes. Independent senior living communities provide a safe, warm, and secure environment where one can live life to the fullest while receiving extra assistance with everyday needs. Many seniors opt for this level of care when they experience the gradual aging process. Others need additional services when they experience a specific medical condition that requires long-term help with activities of daily living. As an aging baby boomer, you will want to consider all your options to ensure you age in place as expected.
Whether you are aging, single, married, retired, or live with a family, it is important to have a trusted caregiver who will turn to you when you need him most. It is vital that caregivers maintain a relationship with their clients. The best caregivers know the best ways to keep their seniors comfortable and happy. When you find the right caregiver, make sure he or she is an experienced senior living community, has a good record of satisfied clients, comes with multiple levels of care, and offers an independent senior living option to meet the unique needs of your aging family.
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