Senior Care - Find Affordable Options

Senior care refers to the fulfilling special needs and demands unique to senior adults. This broad category includes such services as adult daycare, assisted living, long-term residential care, home health care, hospice care and specialized nursing care. Each of these is customized to meet the unique needs of seniors, including medical and other special needs. Some senior care facilities focus on a particular specialty; for example, there are home health care programs for seniors with physical disabilities.

senior care


Senior citizens often turn to their families or friends when they need assistance. But since many senior adults live alone, it may be difficult to keep in touch with them all the time. That's why many of them prefer to contact a licensed home care professional. Such a professional can take care of them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means that even if your loved one can't call us to ask for help, we can do it for him or her!

While some seniors may have a close relationship with a family member, others prefer to keep their relationships private. That's why licensed home caregivers are preferred over family members or other caregivers. Licensed caregivers are specially trained and licensed to administer medical treatments and provide other personal care services. They know where to look for problems and how to handle them, and they can provide the necessary help when it's needed. A licensed caregiver can take over some or all of the day-to-day tasks such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, light housekeeping and errands. He or she may also take over shopping, meal preparation, medication management, transportation, and shopping for groceries.

Most elderly individuals who need nursing care are usually diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, or dementia. These conditions often require more than traditional medical treatment. They may also require a combination of medicine, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral counseling. Since many senior citizens don't have the skills to do these things on their own, an in-home caregiver is an effective solution for many problems. In-home caregivers include both spouses and children, and the majority of elderly citizens who use in-home care receive care from a single caregiver.

Some senior living communities offer supervised independent living, which is similar to assisted living. The primary difference is that residents are responsible for their own meals, medications, and other personal care requirements. Senior residents in senior care communities may visit their own doctor, go shopping and dine at their own dining room table, and take leisurely walks around their community. However, if a resident needs extra assistance, he or she may be referred to a nursing home or other in-home care provider. There are also a variety of independent living aids that can provide some or all of the senior living communities' in-home care services.

If you're planning to move and don't already have coverage, you should buy long-term care insurance before you get married or reach retirement age. Seniors should investigate different options for coverage. Most senior care insurance policies cost less than traditional Medicare, but you should also consider the costs of out-of-pocket expenses, such as the monthly Medicare tax deduction, and monthly payments for any additional benefits you may need. Although most Medicare insurance companies offer a variety of plans, you should shop carefully to find the best coverage for your particular situation.

Many senior living communities offer activities to keep residents active and occupied. Assisted living communities usually include a laundry room, fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor activities like golfing, tennis, or dancing. Some communities even offer classes to teach basic nutrition and exercise to residents who may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies. To find the right senior care community for you and your loved one, contact a local Medicare agent or search the Internet.

Independent living can be less expensive than traditional assisted living communities, especially if you don't need medical care on a daily basis and only need help caring for your elderly loved one occasionally. However, independent living tends to be less costly because there aren't any day care facilities or nursing home facilities that have overhead or other expenses. The monthly premiums for independent living are generally lower than for in-home care services. Independent living also allows seniors to live independently and make their own decisions about their community. Many seniors enjoy independent living and say they have more freedom and less stress. Contact an independent living agent to learn more about choosing an independent community agency.