Types of Senior Care
When evaluating senior living communities and home care options, it’s important to clearly understand what types of senior care are available at these communities. Here is a brief summary of types of senior care that are offered by senior communities and caregivers:
In addition to assistance with most activities of daily living (ADL), this care requires skilled professional staff to address medical needs such as intensive therapy, wound care, blood draws and tracheotomies. Many residents may be bedridden or cannot move well by themselves due to accident, injury or disease.
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
This common type of care includes help with dressing, hygiene, meal provision, toileting, medication management, communication, driving, and depending on the community, ambulation.
For those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and exhibit signs of forgetfulness, confusion, agitation, aggression and often, wandering behavior. These types of care communities offer a secure environment with staff trained to manage frequently challenging individuals.
Chronic Disease Management
Diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension and other chronic diseases often associated with the aged are managed in many different senior housing care environments.
This is a general umbrella term used to describe the services offered by many senior living communities that focus on healthful activities, socialization and nutrition to enhance senior’s wellbeing and foster a sense of community and connection.
Hospice Care
Also known as end-of-life care, hospice care is offered at many different senior communities and aims to bring comfort, dignity and peace to terminally ill residents.
Home care aids or nurses make regular home visits to assist semi-independent seniors with tasks such as bathing, cooking, cleaning or medical needs.
Palliative Care
Focuses on care to relieve and prevent the pain and suffering of patients in various stages of disease, including curable, chronic and terminal diseases.
Respite Care
This care option is offered by home health/home care providers, as well as assisted living communities, to families which allow the primary caregiver to take a respite break and still provide a safe physical setting for the senior. Generally refers to overnight stays as opposed to adult day care, which is just for the day.