Assisted Living vs. Home Care: Which Option Is Right for You?

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Granddaughter helping her disabled grandmother walk with the aid of a walker.



If you have an elderly loved one who is losing their ability to safely live independently, then you’re no doubt researching senior care options. Two common options for senior care include assisted living and home care. Keep reading to get an overview of both Assisted Living and Home Care and a guide for choosing the route that is right for you and your loved one.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities provide personal care support services such as meals, medication management, transportation, and assistance with the activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing. This option is ideal for seniors who need daily assistance but still want to maintain as much of their independence as possible. In addition to receiving around-the-clock personal care, seniors often also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities like book clubs, social outings, gardening and more.

The Pros of Assisted Living

  • The opportunity for social engagement
  • Adapts to changing needs
  • Home-like environment
  • Reduces worry about upkeep and maintenance of home
  • Onsite amenities, such as salon services, visiting physicians, and gardens
  • Various levels of assistance available

The Cons of Assisted Living

  • Less privacy and independence than living at home
  • You may need to transition to a nursing home if your condition deteriorates beyond what is appropriate for assisted living (Senior care communities offering both assisted living and long term care services may be ideal)
  • Assisted living is not the most expensive option, but neither is it the least expensive

Home Care

Many seniors wish to remain in their home for as long as possible, and if only minor assistance is needed, home care is a wonderful option. Home care offers care plans that can be customized to fit the needs of your family and your loved one. Companion care services may consist of ensuring basic safety, light housekeeping, laundry, appointment escort, and more. Personal care services, performed by a CNA, may consist of feeding assistance, medication management, bathing/showering, hair/skin/oral care, toileting assistance, and more.

The Pros of Home Care

  • The ability to age in place
  • The preservation of privacy and freedom
  • If a form of dementia should develop, the familiar surroundings may provide comfort
  • Care is administered by a professional caregiver
  • It may be less costly than other options

The Cons of Home Care

  • The home may not be equipped for changes in mobility and physical abilities
  • You may be at a disadvantage in the case of a medical emergency

Making the Right Choice

When choosing the best option for your loved one, consider these questions:

  • Does your loved one wish to remain at home?
  • Is the home a safe environment, or can changes be made to make it safer?
  • Would they benefit from assistance with medication management?
  • Do they wish to continue preparing their own meals, or would they benefit from meal preparation services?
  • Are they socially isolated?
  • Would they benefit from being part of an active community?
  • Are there any family members that can move in with them, or who they could move in with?
  • Are they in need of around-the-clock care, and is there anyone who can provide the level of care that they need?
  • Are there financial limitations to consider?

By including your senior loved one in the decision-making process and taking their needs and preferences into consideration, you can ensure that you reach a decision that suits every family member.

Do you need additional assistance in choosing the senior care option that is best for your situation? Our Sagepoint Advisors can provide guidance for every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about Sagepoint Home Care and Sagepoint Gardens, and let us assist you in choosing the option that right for you.

 

 

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Coping with Dementia

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Coping with Dementia



Helping a loved one cope with dementia is a challenging experience. During this season of sadness, anger and confusion, you may notice a variety of unexpected behaviors, such as depression, hallucinations and even aggression.

Continue reading to learn more about helping your loved one cope with some of the feelings and behaviors that may accompany Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Anger and Aggression

Aggressive behaviors, whether they are verbal or physical, may occur without warning. Unnerving though it may be, it’s important to remember that the person who is acting aggressively is not doing so to be hurtful; they’re simply trying to navigate a frustrating and scary situation. Aggression can be caused by a variety of factors, such as pain or discomfort, overstimulation, tiredness and fear. As dementia progresses and your loved one loses cognitive function, they also lose the ability to identify and verbalize the root of their frustration or discomfort. As a result, they may express themselves through aggressive behaviors.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate anger and aggression, there are a variety of ways you can help to minimize your loved one’s frustration. Begin by trying to identify the source of stress. Did something happen immediately before the behavior that may have triggered the response? Is he or she in pain? If there is no obvious cause for the reaction, survey their surroundings to ensure that they are not overstimulated. If possible, shift the focus to another activity, such as music, exercise or a massage. Most importantly, remember to not get upset; keep a positive and reassuring attitude and speak with a soft, soothing tone.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common issues faced by people with dementia, especially during the early stages. However, identifying depression in someone with dementia can be difficult, as the symptoms differ from those present in someone without dementia. Generally speaking, the symptoms may be less severe and may come and go. The most common symptoms of depression include sleep problems, social withdrawal, irritability and a loss of appetite.

If you suspect that your loved one is dealing with depression, it’s important to let their doctor know. Depression can be successfully treated through a combination of medication and therapy. In addition to ensuring that your loved one gets the professional help they need, you can participate in their care by helping them develop a daily schedule that incorporates activities that they enjoy, encouraging regular exercise and providing a listening ear and an encouraging outlook. While it may take time, ensuring that your loved one receives the appropriate treatment for their depression can improve their quality of life considerably.

Hallucinations

When someone with dementia hallucinates, they may see, smell, taste or hear something that isn’t there. Some hallucinations can be very upsetting, while others may occur without the sufferer even realizing that they are experiencing something that isn’t happening. Hallucinations are a byproduct of the changes that are happening in the brain and are generally more common in those who are in the later stages of dementia.

When determining how to handle hallucinations, assess the situation. Are the hallucinations causing distress for the person experiencing them, or are they likely to cause a dangerous reaction? If not, then it’s best to not intervene. However, if they are upsetting, respond with a calm and supportive manner. If possible, try to turn the focus to something like music or a favorite activity.

The behaviors that accompany dementia can be difficult to handle, but fortunately, there is help. Sagepoint Memory Care utilizes a state-of-the-art approach to promote the best quality of life possible. To find out more about our community or to speak with a Sagepoint Advisor, contact us today.

 

 

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Recognizing and Addressing Malnutrition in Seniors

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Malnutrition is a prevalent problem among seniors. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, 3.7 million seniors suffer from inadequate nutrition. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and signs of malnutrition and what you can do to prevent this dangerous condition.

What Causes Malnutrition in Seniors?

When it comes to a lack of nutrition in seniors, poverty plays a significant role. In 2013, half of all Medicare recipients were living off of an income of less than $23,500. The costs of medical care and prescription medications alone may make it difficult to afford anything beyond the barest of necessities. Between modest fixed incomes and small savings accounts, many seniors simply don’t have the resources to support a nourishing diet.

In addition to limited means, there are several other reasons that a senior may not receive adequate nutrition. Factors such as the side effects of certain medications, difficulty chewing and swallowing and a lack of interest in cooking contribute to malnutrition. Changing taste buds and restrictive low sodium, low fat and low sugar diets may simply take the joy from eating.

Dangers of Malnutrition

Unfortunately, the absence of a high quality diet is associated with numerous risks, many of which amplify the health problems already common among older adults. Poor nutrition is associated with unhealthy weight loss, loss of muscle or muscle weakness, a weakened immune system, depression and fatigue. Malnourished seniors also have a greater fall risk, which may interfere with their safety and independence.

Recognizing Malnutrition in Your Senior Loved One

Because the symptoms of malnutrition can mirror the problems that may already present in older adults, identifying them might take a little bit of detective work. If your loved one is living alone, take a few seconds during a visit to discreetly take an inventory of their refrigerator and pantry. Pay attention to any drastic changes in weight, and do your best to keep track of any medications your loved one is taking, as certain medications may cause a loss of appetite.

Caring for a Malnourished Senior

Once you have determined that your loved one is struggling with malnutrition, help him or her seek medical treatment. If possible, visit your loved one during meal times, and keep an eye on their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. If there are special dietary needs or considerations that have made it difficult for your senior loved one to enjoy their meals, encourage them to experiment with different herbs and spices to give bland foods a boost in flavor. Make sure that their medical provider is aware of any difficulties with eating. A family doctor or nutritionist can provide guidance for practical ways to incorporate more nutrients while limiting the intake of solid fats, added sugar and processed foods.

If your loved one has difficulty adhering to a healthy diet, assisted living or home care might be appropriate options for them. Whether they have dietary restrictions or difficulty with chewing and swallowing, or they simply lack the ability or desire to plan a menu and prepare their own well-balanced meals, having a caregiver come out to your senior’s residence or transitioning to an assisted living community can help ensure that they receive adequate nutrition. To find out more about our senior care options, contact one of our Sagepoint advisors today.

 

 

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Making the Transition: Helping Your Loved One Move to Assisted Living

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Portrait Of Senior Mother And Adult Daughter



Moving a loved one to an assisted living community can be a challenging experience. Oftentimes, seniors are leaving the security of a beloved home, the familiarity of longtime neighbors and the feeling of independence. However, once you and your loved one have reached the decision that assisted living will offer them their highest quality of life, it’s important to make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about helping a loved one transition to assisted living.

Do Your Research

Whether your loved one is looking for a close-knit group home setting or a larger community with more amenities, there is a place where they can feel at home. The first step to ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible is to find the home environment that will fit your loved one’s current preferences. While both group homes and larger communities offer services like complimentary transportation, home cooked meals and housekeeping and laundry services, they may differ greatly when it comes to things like enrichment programs, social activities and on site amenities. Determine the type of community in which your senior loved one will thrive and feel comfortable.

Making the Move

Once you have found the community that is right for your loved one, it’s time to get them settled into their new home. Tempting though it may be to spend a weekend shopping for their new room or suite, it’s important for them to be surrounded by familiar items. Encourage them to bring their own bedding, a few dishes, pictures and anything else that may make their new living quarters feel like home. When in doubt, bring more than you think they’ll need; they can always pare down later.

Helping Them Engage

Even if your loved one generally prefers solitude, it’s important for them to feel engaged with the community. Starting on the first day, encourage them to get involved with a scheduled activity. In many cases, assisted living communities such as Sagepoint Gardens allow family members join in the fun, so attend a discussion group, a wellness activity or an offsite activity with them. After your initial “push,” it may be easier for your loved one to begin building those connections in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.

By doing your homework and playing an active role when helping a loved one transition to assisted living, you can ensure that the process is as smooth and enjoyable process.

Are you ready to help your loved one move to an assisted living community but you don’t know where to begin? Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living services and how we can help you and your family. Our friendly and knowledgeable Advisors are ready to assist you in finding the right care for your loved one.

 

 

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