Whether dementia is robbing your father of his ability to care for himself and be safe while alone or your grandmother’s mobility loss makes it impossible for her to live by herself, finding the right kind of senior care for your loved one can be challenging. With so many options, from in-home care to multiple types of care facilities, it can be hard understanding where to search for the most appropriate type of care.
Finding the right professional caregiver and caregiving environment for your loved one is an important decision. Here are some resources to help your search:
- Area Agency on Aging: This federal government agency oversees local services for seniors and can provide recommendations for caregiver agencies or independent caregivers in your area. You can find your local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or by clicking here to search by zip code.
- AARP: The AARP website has a wealth of information on caregiving, including information on a myriad of caregiving types, from assisted living facilities to group homes to in-home care.
- Care.: The Care.com website connects you with in-home caregivers and senior living communities. Answer a few prompts and you’ll receive a list of options.
- Medicare: The governmental Medicare website allows you to find and compare Medicare-certified nursing homes based on location.
- TREEL’s Information for Seniors: Check out our Information for Seniors page for additional resources regarding planning and paying for care, as well as care information for specific situations such as dementia and falls.
- Referrals: A great resource for finding the right senior care fit are the trusted people in your life. Ask, doctors, clergy, friends, family, social workers, financial planners or estate planning attorneys for recommendations.
A lot of decisions go into the senior care search — including understanding the right kind of care for the senior’s situation. Follow these steps to help you narrow down your senior caregiving options:
1. Assess Your Loved One’s Needs:
- Medical Needs: Make a detailed list of their medical conditions and daily requirements. This includes assistance with mobility, medication management, personal care and any specialized care needed.
- Daily Living Activities: Evaluate their ability to perform daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating and using the restroom.
- Social and Emotional Needs: Consider their social preferences, hobbies and personality. Will they thrive in a social environment or prefer the familiarity of home?
2. Explore Care Options:
- In-Home Care:
- Home Care Agencies: These agencies employ and manage caregivers, providing a wider pool of qualified professionals and handling tasks like background checks and payroll.
- Independent Caregivers: You directly hire and manage the caregiver. This offers flexibility but requires more responsibility for screening and oversight.
- Facility-Based Care:
- Assisted Living Facilities: Provide supportive living for seniors who need some assistance with daily activities but can still maintain some independence.
- Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities): Offer 24/7 medical care for individuals requiring extensive medical support.
3. Research and Compare Options:
- In-Home Care:
- Home Care Agencies:
- Research online reviews and complaint history.
- Compare services offered and hourly rates.
- Ask about caregiver qualifications, background checks and insurance.
- Independent Caregivers:
- Utilize online caregiver platforms or senior care referral services (research their reputation and fees).
- Ask for references and conduct thorough background checks.
- Interview potential caregivers about experience, certifications and personality fit.
- Home Care Agencies:
- Facility-Based Care:
- Utilize government resources, like Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool mentioned above, to compare facilities.
- Check inspection reports and resident satisfaction ratings.
- Schedule tours and ask about amenities, staffing levels and resident care plans.
Additional Tips:
- Involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible.
- Be clear about your budget and the level of care you need.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get references.
- Trust your gut feeling when making a decision.
Finding the right caregiver can take time and effort, but it’s important to find someone who is qualified, compassionate, and a good fit for your loved one’s needs. If you need assistance with senior care planning, contact the trusted Elder Law attorneys at Timothy Rice Estate & Elder Law so we can help.
