Every person reaches a point in their life where they find themselves helping a parent rather than that parent helping them.
This role reversal is familiar to many, but searching for housing options for elderly parents can still feel like an emotional time when it happens. One of the first thoughts to cross your mind will be questions about whether your loved one needs extra support in the form of a senior living community.
In this article, we’ll discuss three popular senior living options: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We’ll explain what each offers and whether it’s a match for your needs. Read on for our definitive guide.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living, as the name hints, will give a senior an independent lifestyle within the secure and comfortable surroundings of a senior living community.
It’s there to offer convenience and a maintenance-free lifestyle, having staff on-hand to take care of everyday demands like cleaning and cooking, which the retiree can focus their time and efforts on hobbies and friendships instead.
Residents choosing an independent living arrangement do not need the intensive support of nursing care. Still, they value the strong sense of belonging that comes from being part of a vibrant and friendly community.
They have private living quarters but also enjoy beautiful communal areas like gardens, lounges, and dining spaces.
What Is Assisted Living for Elderly Parents?
A fully independent life may be the dream of all in retirement, but for some, there is a practical need for daily help. That’s where assisted living becomes a valuable middle ground.
Our assisted living community in Indianapolis gives residents support with daily tasks but without taking away any of their independence. Help is typically tailored to the individual, but assisted living for seniors might include things like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication mamangement
Assisted living residents will also have access to the many conveniences offered by independent living communities, like daily cooked meals, housekeeping, and maintenance.
It means residents have time to enjoy their day and participate in the many fun activities on offer. Meanwhile, they still have the support of professional, caring staff to help with the more challenging demands they face.
What Is Memory Care in Indianapolis?
Memory care is the most specialized support service of the three senior housing choices we’ve discussed in this article. Memory care is there for residents who have cognitive challenges, including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It includes access to specially trained staff who understand how to care for those with the unique symptoms that emerge when someone begins to suffer from age-related memory loss. Support may include:
- Assistance with daily activities like dressing and bathing
- Creating a structured routine for that resident
- Personalized care and therapy to support memory-related issues
Choosing memory care for a parent can be the best option to give your loved one the compassionate support they need to navigate their condition. The care team has the proper training to handle conversations, questions, or behavioral issues.
The staff and the community use that expertise to create a calming and secure living arrangement for residents, one that minimizes confusion or fear when a resident becomes unfamiliar with their day or surroundings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Senior Housing
It’s essential to take your time when looking for senior housing options for a parent. You’ll want a place that feels like home but also one that gives your loved one the ongoing support they need in their daily lives. Here are some factors to consider before you make a decision on elderly care solutions:
- What are their current care needs?
- Could those care needs change in the future?
- Does your parent have any mobility issues?
- Does your parent have any medical issues or a memory loss diagnosis?
- How far can you travel from your home to the senior housing community for visits?
- Does the community have pleasant buildings and outdoor areas?
- Do the social activities align with your parent’s preferences and lifestyle?
You’ll also need to consider practical questions about retirement community options, like your budget. Take the time to tour your shortlist of communities, as this is often the best time to ask any pressing questions and also see the quality of the environment first-hand.
Involving Your Parents in the Decision Making Process
You will undoubtedly have your parent’s best interests at heart when looking for a suitable community. So, it’s likely that most of your criteria will align with what your loved one wants from a community.
Nevertheless, it’s vital to ensure your parent feels fully involved in the decision-making process at all times. It will help to ease the transition and some of the emotional feelings that come from saying goodbye to a family home and moving into senior housing.
Here are some of our tips and recommendations to help a parent feel involved:
- Sit down with your parent to discuss their needs and challenges
- Get an up-to-date medical assessment from their doctor
- Get your parent to list their top preferences and priorities
- Make sure you are both clear and in agreement on the financial side of things
- Include your parent in researching the communities
- Make sure your parent attends every visit and tour of a senior living community
- Be patient and avoid trying to rush the decision
Remember that this can be an emotional time for both of you. But you can help manage the transition when your loved one feels empowered and excited about the move.
Don’t forget that part of the challenge for your loved one is saying goodbye to their current house or living arrangements. Think about how you can make that a more straightforward process, such as offering to store personal belongings or treasured items.
Housing Options for Elderly Parents: Making the Right Choice
A healthy and happy retirement in Indianapolis, IN, starts with getting the perfect environment in place. That’s why we have gone to great lengths at Rittenhouse Village at Northside to make our housing options for elderly parents the perfect fit for seniors, whatever their needs.
To discover more about our senior care options and for advice on choosing the right fit, head here to review and compare each package.
