One of the hardest things for many people to experience is watching their parents grow older. It hurts even more when they start to need help with their everyday tasks. Ideally, those with a good relationship with their parents have the means to let them move in and take care of their aging parents.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the funds to do this. Maybe your home is full or caring for your parents will have to mean moving homes, which might be impractical for your family or your long-term career plans. So if you want your parents to quality living arrangements while still getting adequate help they need, here are some options.
In-home Care
In-home care providers are the best option for older adults who want to continue living their regular lifestyle in their own homes but get help for minor tasks they can no longer do efficiently. This is the best option for the elderly who can generally live alone most of the time but have difficulty doing certain tasks like running errands, preparing their meals, and remembering to take their medication.
This is the best option for older adults who cannot or do not want to move in with relatives and prefer to continue living their lives as is. It’s a popular choice among adults considering that most older adults in the United States prefer to live alone, so having someone to do certain daily tasks allows them to continue living their lives safely and independently.
Assisted-living Communities
There are plenty of assisted living arrangements available, so choose one that best suits your parent’s needs. These are communities of elderly adults who prefer to live in a place with round-the-clock facilities. This is the best option for adults who want to remain independent but need slightly more help with daily tasks.
What’s great about assisted living communities is that everything is designed to make your parent enjoy their golden years. They don’t have to worry about keeping track of their medical needs since they have supervision from professionals that can keep track of them. Their meals are adjusted to their needs, and all the facilities are designed to be safe (even for those with physical conditions) and promote socialization and fun.
You and your family can visit your parent when it’s convenient. While some states provide public communities for a low cost, private communities offer more amenities and extra features based on what services you pay for your parent.
Live with Other Relatives
If your home is not an option, see if any other relatives are willing to take your parent or parents in. This could be one of your siblings, your parents’ siblings, or anyone in the family willing to take them in. It can even be a family friend with a good relationship with your parent.
This is the ideal option if you’re looking for companionship for your parent. If your parent still has a source of income and doesn’t have a disease or condition requiring skilled support, it’s much easier to find a relative with room for your parent. If they need some care and don’t have income, it’s only fair that you (and your siblings, if you have any) chip in together to provide financial help to whoever is willing to take in your parent.
Nursing Homes
These are for elderly adults who need 24/7 medical supervision but don’t need to go to the hospital. This is for those with chronic conditions or require rehabilitation. So if your parent may need to depend on a caregiver and has little ability to remain independent, this is the best option for them.
Think of it as similar to an assisted living community, but the focus is less on the fun amenities older adults can do independently and more on the 24/7 medical care. Because of the available medical care, this is usually the most expensive option out of all your parents’ living arrangement options. While Medicaid covers most elderly adults living in nursing homes, it ultimately depends on which nursing home you and other sponsors for your parents’ healthcare can qualify for.
While many adults want to have their elderly parents live with them to provide care, plenty of cases are not a practical option. These are some options you and your parents can consider, and it’s up to your family’s financial ability and your parents’ condition to determine which one is the best solution for you.
