When you are evaluating what type of senior care is right for you there are several important questions you need to ask yourself. Deciding between Assisted Living Facilities, Independent Living Communities,Retirement Communities, Alzheimer’s Care Providers, Continuing Care Communities, and Home Care Providers is a very important decision that should be made with much consideration and discernment. You need to make sure that all your needs will be met when you choose what senior care is right for you. Below are some questions you should ask yourself in your evaluation process:
How independent are you when it comes to moving around your home? Are you very mobile, capable of moving about and able to evacuate in case of an emergency? Do you need an assistive device such as a cane or walker to get around? Do you need assistance occasionally? Do you need transfer and transport assistance all the time?
How independent are you when it comes to preparing meals and eating? Can you prepare all your meals and eat with any assistance? Do you need assistance in the preparation of meals? Do you assistance eating or reminders to eat?
How independent are you when it comes to personal hygiene tasks? Are you independent in all personal care? Do you occasionally need reminders or light assistance? Do you need reminders regularly and help with tasks like getting into the bathtub? Are you completely dependent on others for personal hygiene tasks?
What level of independence do you have for transportation and getting around town? Do you own and operate you own vehicle independently and safely? Are you able to use public transportation on your own? Do you need handicap access? Do you need full transportation services?
How independent are you when it comes to housekeeping tasks? Can you do all housekeeping tasks on your own (vacuuming, cleaning, laundry, etc)? Are you able to clean but need help with maintenance? Do you need some help cleaning or reminders to clean? Do you need full housekeeping and laundry services?
How independent are you when it comes to dressing yourself? Can you dress independently and appropriately? Do you sometimes need help with things such as shoelaces or zippers? Do you need full assistance with dressing and undressing?
How independent are you in managing and administering medications? Are you completely responsible for managing your own medications? Do you need reminders to take your medicines on time? Do you need licensed personnel to administer your medications correctly?
How is your memory and mental orientation? Do you have full mental capacity and ability to reason, plan, and organize daily events? Do you occasionally need reminders? Are your judgment and memory poor? Do you regularly experience confusion and have a hard time following directions?
If you seem to be very independent after asking yourself these questions you should look into Independent Living Communities or Retirement Communities. If you tend to need some assistance with things you might want to start thinking about Assisted Living Facilities or Home Care Providers. If you are independent now, but your health is gradually decreasing you might want to consider Continuing Care Communities. If you are having memory problems and have or are developing Alzheimer’s look into Alzheimer’s Care Providers.
