Some of the stress of getting older can be alleviated by choosing the right living option
While aging is universal to the human condition, it’s a process that affects each of us differently.
Mobility and independence can be preserved in a variety of ways, though, with a firm understanding of the levels of care available in senior housing. And whether you’re looking ahead to better care for either yourself or a loved one, knowledge, as they say, is power.
Bonnie Burman, director of the Ohio Department of Aging, says there is no perfect point to begin planning for senior care. The best preparation involves inclusion of senior living options into a life plan.
The notion of a one-size-fits-all method of senior care is severely outdated. Instead, Burman says, flexibility exists for the types of care one can receive in the home and community.
“The first step is changing our perspective,” she says.
Public programs also make it easy to know where to start.
In many cases, assessments are available through public programs that can help identify the amount of care an individual needs to maintain his or her quality of life, says Patty Callahan, a caregiver advocate with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.
The first category of care includes absolute necessities: daily activities such as feeding, bathing, using the bathroom, dressing and getting out of bed or chairs. The second category includes supporting items, such as performing housework, managing money, shopping for groceries and using a telephone.
Independent Living
Individuals who choose this option can maintain their residences and their own needs with little or no assistance, Callahan says.
Whether living in a home, rented space or group arrangement, a person’s needs can be met as he or she changes over time. Home- and community-based services can provide assistance such as cleaning, personal care, grocery shopping, laundry, transportation and delivered meals.
Assisted Living
Consider this type of housing a “middle ground” between nursing homes and independent living, Callahan says.
This is a good fit for people who may not be able to live independently, but don’t require medical care throughout the day. Assisted living includes on-site services and still affords more privacy than nursing homes. Meals are provided, along with housekeeping and laundry.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are smart for individuals who require assistance with daily activities and need supervised physician’s care on a monthly basis, Callahan says.
Individuals receive closer medical monitoring here than at an assisted living facility.
Instead of thinking about independence and dependence, it is helpful to thinking of aging in terms of interdependence, Burman says.
“You can continue to contribute to a community while others actually contribute to your life as well,” she says.
Sarah Sole is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
