If you or your older loved one are beginning to need a little extra help with daily activities or with health issues, you likely prefer to do so at home. And you’re certainly not alone in that feeling! But are there times when at-home care is best? Yes. Are there times when senior living in Somerset County might be better? Also, yes. Here’s how to determine when at-home care is right for you or your loved one.
When At-Home Care Might Be Best
There are typically two options for at-home care. The first is home health care, which is provided on an as-needed, hourly, or 24/7 live-in basis. Services may include personal care, household chores, cooking, transportation, and occupational, physical, and speech therapy. The second option is adult daycare which provides care during regular business hours, five days a week, with services that may include meals, snacks, and health monitoring, as well as fitness, enrichment, and social activities.
As such, at-home care typically works best when:
- You or your loved one are still somewhat independent and do not need round-the-clock and/or specialized care.
- You have a strong support network of family and friends to help manage the at-home care schedule, the supplies needed, and the caregivers, in addition to ensuring quality care.
- You or your loved one has plenty of opportunities to socialize, stay active, and have purpose at home.
- The home environment is safe (appropriate lighting, grab bars, personal emergency response system, etc. are available), accessible (you have ramps, wider doorways for mobility devices/wheelchairs, and limited need for stairs), and has the space to accommodate needed medical supplies.
- Someone can keep up with the home responsibilities not provided by at-home care, such as maintenance and repair.
- Transportation is not an issue for adult daycare.
For more information on senior living in Somerset County, download our Senior Living Options Guide!
When Senior Living Might Be Best
If, after considering the above, you determine that at-home care is not the best fit, senior living is another option. You may be surprised to know that senior living offers multiple types of care, each for different needs and wants, including:
- Independent Living – This option is for seniors seeking a more active, social lifestyle free of the hassles of chores and home upkeep. It also features a range of accommodation options, amenities, and a full calendar of events and activities.
- Assisted Living – Has many of the same features as independent living but also offers personalized support with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Care staff is available 24/7, and a registered nursing team is also on site.
- Memory Care – Specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, this type of care features 24-hour support in a secure, calming environment with staff specially trained in memory care.
Senior living in Somerset County also offers benefits that are hard to match at home, like:
- Maintenance-free living – Residence and yard maintenance, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, and linen service are provided, giving you or your loved one freedom from chores and the worry over unexpected expenses that come with owning a home.
- Everything you need is right outside your door – Here, you no longer have to drive to the gym or beauty salon because they are onsite! Plus, residents enjoy the convenience of transportation when they need it and concierge services to make daily life easier.
- Social connection and fulfillment – Opportunities to socialize and stay engaged may be limited at home, difficult to get to, or both, making life lonely, particularly if you live alone. Here, friends, neighbors, and team members are always nearby, and our monthly calendar includes social events, exercise programs, classes, clubs, live music and entertainment, opportunities for creative expression, game nights, group outings, religious services, volunteer opportunities, and more!
- A focus on wellness – Senior living in Somerset County with us makes healthy aging easier because we have a fitness center and exercise classes designed for seniors, spacious grounds to enjoy nature, nutritious dining, and educational and enrichment programs.
- Support that empowers independence – With individualized wellness plans and personal care staff onsite 24/7, our residents enjoy as little or as much support as they need to thrive. It’s a balance that fosters independence and may even help residents feel more empowered without having to call family, friends, and neighbors for help, like at home.
- Peace of mind – At home, it might be necessary to make modifications to improve safety or to accommodate mobility challenges; however, our senior living communities are already designed with these features. Communities like ours also have multiple levels of care on the same campus for added peace of mind.
For more information on senior living in Somerset County, download our Senior Living Options Guide today! Or contact us today to schedule a tour.
