For this quarter’s commentary, we enlisted the help of Ashley Krause, a senior care advisor with Senior One Source. Ashley was the main presenter at our senior care gathering for clients in March, and we found her material so important that we chose to share it with all of our clients. Whether you are contemplating your own senior care needs, are caring for elderly parents, or know someone in either of those positions, we think you’ll find Ashley’s comments below helpful.
When we explore the spectrum of senior care, we start with aging in place and equipping seniors with tools and resources to live in the home. As care needs increase, we transition along the levels of care options – for example, independent living, assisted living, adult care homes, and memory care, when appropriate.
Aging in place successfully and safely in the home, as most individuals and their families prefer to do, requires careful planning and adaptation as care needs change. Seniors may need in-home caregivers to assist with activities of daily living. A fall risk assessment can be made, and home modifications can be recommended to minimize fall risk. Technology can be acquired to both monitor a senior’s vital signs and serve as an alert system in the event of a fall. We should consider the impact and progression of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, to understand and plan for necessary healthcare needs.
When aging in place is becoming increasingly difficult as care needs escalate, planning with a senior living advisor will provide value and time. Choosing the right senior living option for a loved one can be a complex and emotional decision, often influenced by several factors such as health, mobility, social needs, and financial considerations. As individuals age, their ability to live independently may change, prompting the need to explore alternative living arrangements that provide the necessary support and assistance. It is essential to carefully assess the unique care needs and preferences of your loved one and consider how different senior living options align with those requirements.
One important consideration is the level of care needed. For seniors who require minimal assistance with daily tasks but desire a community atmosphere and access to amenities, independent living communities may be suitable. Alternatively, those who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or medication management, and desire the community social aspect may benefit from an assisted living community where support services are readily available. For individuals with more complex medical needs or cognitive impairments, memory care or an adult care home can provide more personalized care and supervision.
Senior living advisors work with the family to assess the care needs, preferences, budget, and location that provides the most optimal fit. As we search for communities that meet these requirements, we use data-driven insights from the Oregon Department of Health and incorporate factors such as quality of care, staffing, leadership, and resident satisfaction, leveraging professional networks and experience with senior living communities to ensure the most successful senior living outcomes.
There are many options for financing the cost of long-term care. Each situation is unique; working with a knowledgeable advisor can help strategize the best options available. For complex cases, we enlist guidance from financial and elder law experts to optimize resources. This team approach ensures that the individual’s needs are met and they are feeling in control as much as possible.
Timing is crucial when deciding to move a loved one to a senior living community. It’s essential to monitor their physical and cognitive health, as well as their social engagement and overall wellbeing. Signs that it may be time to consider a move include increased difficulty managing household tasks, safety concerns related to falls or accidents, social isolation, caregiver burnout, or that the cost of bringing in care is no longer sustainable. Open and honest communication with your loved one about their needs and preferences, as well as involving them in the decision-making process, can help ensure a smoother transition to a senior living environment.
Moving to or contemplating the transition to a senior living community is a very emotional decision for many. This significant life change can involve leaving behind familiar surroundings, routines, and cherished memories, which can evoke feelings of uncertainty, loss, and anxiety. Many individuals may fear losing their sense of identity or autonomy, as well as the social connections and support networks they have cultivated over the years. With proper support, guidance, and understanding, individuals and their families can navigate this transition with greater ease and peace of mind, ultimately finding fulfillment and a sense of belonging in their new community. As a senior care advisor, I feel called to connect closely and stay in touch with every client, checking in with the families to ensure they are getting their needs met or need encouragement.
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