Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

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When choosing a plan for long-term elder care for your aging parent, you want to consider the following questions. What is the difference between assisted living, a nursing home, and home care?  What if my senior desires to stay home? How extensive is the care provided by private in-home caregivers? Here are a few guidelines to consider. 

Understand the difference in terms of community care. Nursing homes are not unlike hospitals, offering little privacy where seniors have to share rooms. With assisted living, seniors are provided apartments, and thus have more privacy and independence. If you feel that in-home care option is best for your aging parent, you will live more comfortably knowing they remain in their neighborhood, in contact with their old neighbors and friends.

In terms of medical attention, an assisted living facility is more suited for those with minimal medical needs. Nursing homes are targeted towards seniors that require full-time medical care and attention. However, be aware that there are senior home care services that offer care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia if needed, as well as supervising their medications.

If you wish to research elder care facilities, be sure to check with the local ombudsman for information such as staff turnover, or other reported problems. Also, request state surveys that give you information on reported violations. Use your judgement if you feel that a certain facility is unfit for your mom or dad.

When researching assisted living facilities and nursing homes, drop in unannounced. See if the staff is  welcoming and offers a complete tour. Check certain areas such as bathrooms and kitchens for an idea of the cleanliness and sanitation. Check how the food is being prepared.

Understand that Home Instead Senior Care CAREGivers specialize in companionship services, if you feel that an assisted living environment fails to measure up.