As we age, it’s common to require additional care and support. While some seniors may be able to live independently well into their golden years, others may need varying degrees of assistance. No matter what your needs are, there are eldercare services available to help. In this article, we’ll discuss the 7 levels of eldercare and how they can be utilized to enhance your quality of life in retirement.
Home Care
Home care is the most basic level of eldercare, where seniors receive care and support in their own homes. This type of care is ideal for seniors who want to remain in their homes but need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
Home care services can vary depending on the individual’s needs. For instance, some seniors may only need help with light housekeeping, while others may require assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming. Home care providers can also help with medication management, transportation to appointments, and companionship.
One of the benefits of home care is that it allows seniors to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own homes. It can also be a more affordable option compared to other types of eldercare since providers can be family members or professional caregivers.
Home Health
Home health is often used interchangeably with home care, but there is actually an important distinction between the two. Unlike home care, home health involves medical care and support provided by licensed healthcare professionals such as nurses and physical therapists. This type of care is ideal for seniors who require more advanced medical care but still want to remain in their homes.
Home health care services include wound care, medication management, and physical therapy. Home health care providers can also monitor vital signs and provide education on managing medical conditions.
One of the benefits of home health care is that it can help reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall health outcomes for seniors. It can also be more convenient for seniors who have difficulty leaving their homes.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is a type of eldercare where seniors live in a community setting that provides housing, meals, and personal care services. This type of care is ideal for seniors who need help with daily tasks but don’t require the level of medical care provided in a nursing home.
Assisted living facilities can vary in size and services offered. Some facilities may have individual apartments for residents, while others may have shared rooms. Some assisted living facilities even provide organized social activities to help create a community for seniors and reduce feelings of isolation.
Board and Care
Board and care homes, also known as residential care homes, are small group homes that provide a level of care between assisted living and skilled nursing care. Board and care homes are typically smaller than assisted living facilities and may only have a few residents, which offers more of a homelike setting when compared to larger eldercare facilities. Services provided can include housekeeping, medical care, and assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and grooming.
Hospice
Hospice provides end-of-life care to seniors who are terminally ill. This type of care is focused on providing comfort and support to both the senior and their family. Hospice care can be provided in a senior’s home or in a hospice facility, and services include pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care. It focuses on the final stages of a terminal illness.
One of the benefits of hospice care is that it provides compassionate care and support during a difficult time, and it can also help ensure a senior’s end-of-life wishes are respected.
Palliative Care
Palliative care provides support and comfort to seniors who have a serious illness or chronic condition, regardless of life expectancy. Similar to hospice, this type of care is focused on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
Provided in a senior’s home, in a hospital, or in a palliative care facility, palliative care can help seniors suffering from a chronic condition manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. It can also help seniors and their families cope with the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with a serious illness.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care is a type of eldercare that provides medical care and rehabilitation services to seniors who require a high level of medical assistance. This type of care is typically provided in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
Skilled nursing care services can include medication management, wound care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Skilled nursing care providers are registered nurses who monitor vital signs and provide around-the-clock care under a doctor’s supervision.
How Does 1on1 Eldercare Help?
At 1on1 Eldercare, we guide seniors through the eldercare process no matter what stage they are in. We coordinate home care, offer start-to-finish placement into assisted living and board and care facilities, arrange evaluations and transfers, and bring in hospice teams and palliative care teams when needed. We also manage and apply for Medi-Cal benefits if there is a skilled nursing care need. If you are a senior, or have a loved one with eldercare needs, we would be happy to walk you through the process. Call Leslie at 909-985-4466 or email leslie@1on1eldercare.com.
About 1on1 Financial
1on1 Financial is an independent financial advisory firm specializing in guiding working and retired professionals, executives, and business owners along the path to financial well-being. Founded in 1997, we use a team approach to help our clients accumulate wealth, generate income, preserve their life savings, and strategically plan for the distribution of their estate. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the financial services industry, we remain true to our fundamental mission: to provide personalized guidance, treatment, care, and service so our clients can gain control of their future and feel confident in their financial life.