Assisted living offers many services, such as housekeeping, meals, healthcare, transportation and supervision. Furthermore, some communities also provide physical therapy, activities and supervision. A written care plan should be in place and periodically evaluated.

If you are contemplating assisted living for yourself or a loved one, make sure you visit several facilities and ask plenty of questions. Remember, their grieving and feelings of loss could arise at any moment.

Home-like environment

An ideal assisted living facility should provide residents with a homelike atmosphere and allow them to bring personal items for further personalisation, as well as providing meals in a shared dining area rather than individual apartments. read more

Senior adults may require home companion services as they experience forgetfulness/cognitive decline or lose the ability to manage household tasks on their own. Companion care helps individuals remain socially connected while potentially improving health outcomes.

Individuals may receive companion care either formally or informally from family, friends or home health agencies. Family may provide informal visits and assist with tasks while home health agencies can also offer formal companion services. read more

Caring for an elderly family member can be both rewarding and demanding, which is why in home caregivers provide invaluable services as eyes and ears for family members who cannot be there all of the time.

Family can hire caregivers directly or through an agency; most agencies charge one-time fees and screen their staff before providing services to families.

1. Know Your Needs

Paid home caregivers provide personal care, meal preparation and laundry assistance as well as medical guidance and medication reminders. Before hiring one for yourself or a loved one, ensure you know their specific assistance needs – speak to their physician and find out whether a nurse or home health aide would best fit their requirements. read more

Home care services provide essential assistance that can make a real difference to lives of individuals. However, not all types of home care are created equal.

Private home care primarily provides nonmedical support, service and companionship and is typically administered by either a registered nurse or certified healthcare aide.

Nurse Next Door, for instance, matches their clients with caregivers that meet all their criteria to provide continuity of care and ensure customer satisfaction – often more cost-effective than Medicare or Medicaid plans. read more

Seniors benefit greatly from having connections to others in order to maintain health, and companion care provides this necessary interaction.

Individuals living alone or having minimal family support may require companion care services to assist with transportation and errands, and provide emotional support and friendship.

Help with Activities of Daily Living

Senior loved ones frequently need assistance with basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This may involve assistance with getting dressed, bathing, grooming and eating; personal hygiene needs including transfer from bed to chair; as well as maintaining a safe home environment, taking medications as prescribed and paying bills on time. read more