When a person is unable to care for himself in his own home, it is often difficult for his family members to always be there to help. Between busy work schedules and raising their own families, there may be little extra time for the family to help provide care for another loved one. Fortunately, there are facilities that provide care to those who are elderly or disabled who need assistance.
These facilities provide different levels of care depending on how much assistance the resident needs. These are some of the different facilities that offer help to those who cannot fully care for themselves:
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are designed for those who require little help with their daily routines. This type of housing is usually an apartment type setting that is rented to those who are elderly or mildly disabled. There may be a shared area that is accessible to all residents, such as a dining hall or laundry room.
Usually there is a built-in security alarm system that will alert all residents should an emergency occur in one of the residential apartments. Some of these facilities also have on call security guards as well. Since most residents live on a fixed income, the rent is often income-based. If needed, other services, such as housekeeping and transportation may also be provided.
Residential Care Facilities
Residential care facilities are more suitable for those who need moderate assistance with daily care. Those who live in these facilities are mentally stable and require little supervision. They must be able to dress, bathe and feed themselves, but may need help with taking medications on time and transportation.
These facilities are often small studio-sized apartments that do not include a kitchen. All meals are served to residents together in a community dining room. Residential care facilities may also provide services such as laundry, housekeeping and planned social activities.
Nursing Home Facilities
Nursing home facilities provide full care for those who are elderly or disabled. Residents usually share a room and a bathroom with one other resident. All necessary medical and personal care is provided. This includes medications, bathing, meals and transportation to doctor appointments or hospitals when needed.
Nursing homes have daily visiting hours when loved ones of the residents may come to visit them. The residents may enjoy their meals in a community dining room or in the privacy of their own rooms. Many nursing homes also plan social activities for those residents who are capable of interacting with each other.
Accepting that your loved one is no longer able to live in his own home and care for himself is very difficult. However, having facilities that can provide the adequate level of care he needs can give you peace of mind that he is in a safe and healthy environment.
