Dear Donna,
I have been caring for my father, who has Parkinson’s disease, for three years. Until recently, I’ve been able to assist him with his needs. As his condition progresses, I am finding it more challenging to take care of him and keep up with my responsibilities. I know he needs additional assistance, but I am not sure if I should explore local home care providers or assisted living communities.
Which senior care option would be best for my dad?
Sincerely,
Mia from Holland, MI
Understanding Senior Care Options
Dear Mia,
Caring for an aging parent with a progressive health condition is never easy. Not only do you watch their health decline, but your caregiving responsibilities continuously increase. It can be challenging to make time for yourself. Fortunately, there are many senior care options, including home care and assisted living.
Home Care versus Assisted Living
Starting with Home Care
Home care is popular among those who want to keep their loved ones at home. With home care, seniors have the advantage of staying in a familiar environment while a professional caregiver comes to them. The caregiver helps with nonmedical activities they need to perform to live on their own. If your loved one’s home is safe to live in and they require only a few hours of assistance with activities of daily living, home care can be an excellent choice.
Keep in mind, however, that home care is usually a short-term solution. As your loved one’s disease progresses, an assisted living community will most likely be a better option.
Transitioning to Assisted Living
Assisted living communities also support seniors with the activities they need to remain independent. Seniors move to an apartment or studio where they have access to around-the-clock care. In addition to more assistance, seniors may also enjoy the following perks:
- On-site social events
- A safer, more accessible environment
- Experienced staff members who can offer advice
Assisted living can be a particularly attractive option for seniors with progressive illnesses, such as Parkinson’s. As their symptoms increase, they can adjust the amount of assistance they receive accordingly.
Deciding between Home Care and Assisted Living
Exploring senior care options is different for everyone. By exploring your options and understanding your loved one’s needs, you are more likely to find a solution that works for everyone.
I hope this helps you come up with an effective senior care plan for your dad.
Sincerely,
Donna
Heritage Senior Communities
At Heritage Senior Communities, including our Appledorn location, we are dedicated to helping seniors extend their independence. By assisting only when necessary, we help our residents stay in control of their lives and maintain their dignity. Contact us today to learn more about how we enable seniors to live their best lives.