Once a person decides themselves or a loved one needs daily assistance, looking for the proper care becomes essential. Individuals have access to multiple options for care. With this information, people will learn about the differences between assisted living in Odessa, TX and home care to decide which one is best.
The Goal Of Care Is To Meet Long-Term Needs
When people seek care for an aging loved one, they need to determine the long-term needs of the individual. When choosing between assisted living in Odessa, TX and home care, individuals should consider the following factors.
- The age of the individual
- The health level of the person
- The wishes of the individual
- The level of support currently available
- The recommendations of the person’s physician
- The independence level of the individual
Deciding on long-term care should never become rushed. People need to take the time to survey their options and learn as much as possible before they take the plunge and decide on memory care services.
What Is an Assisted Living Community?
One of the options for long-term care is assisted living. These communities are ideal for seniors who require very little daily assistance. Although these communities provide seniors with some degree of assistance, including help with bathing, medication compliance, transportation, housekeeping, and meal preparation, extensive care is not available.
Assisted living communities are best for seniors who are relatively healthy and independent. Those who have serious health concerns or impairments should generally be discouraged from becoming a resident in one of these communities because they may need more integral daily care.
Assisted living communities are not meant for full-time long-term care. Most assisted living communities help ensure their residents are safe and live fulfilling lives, while allowing them to remain as independent as possible.
Assisted living residents eventually move on to nursing homes. Some people also decide to leave these communities and return home as they age and become unable to care for themselves. Making the decision between assisted living and home care takes a concerted effort and significant research.
Assisted Living Communities Allow Residents to Remain Independent
For those healthy enough to move around and provide for their basic needs, independence is critical. Assisted living communities sometimes provide care for those with dementia, as long as they are high-functioning. Advanced cases of these diseases may require home care.
What Is Home Care?
Home care professionals offer multiple services to the aging population of the world. From simple companionship to help with daily care, these professionals provide needful services that allow aged individuals to remain in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible.
Most home care provides a combination of services that involve both assisted living and nursing care, depending on the health and assistance needs of the individual. Non-medical care services provided by in-home care professionals include the following.
- Bathing assistance
- Supervision
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Errand assistance
- Transportation
- Companionship
- Laundry assistance
- Personal care
- Shopping assistance
- Medication reminders
The insurance company and at-home agency will determine the level of care necessary for an individual based on their ADL (Activities of Daily Living). The ADL is established on the following six criteria and the ability of the individual to conduct these with or without assistance.
- Walking
- Bathing
- Eating
- Dressing
- Continence
- Toileting
The fewer a person can do alone, the more advanced care they require. Having an accurate understanding of the level of care needed for the individual is integral in choosing between assisted living and home care.
Helpful Tips for Deciding on Care
When it comes to making a care decision for themselves or a loved one, research and time are both integral. Rushing the decision process is counterproductive and could result in making an erroneous choice. Even with a full understanding of both options, coming to a decision is never easy. The following offers some steps to help individuals decide.
- First, a person needs to determine how much help their loved one requires. Once people understand the care needs of their loved ones, they will be better equipped to match them with the appropriate option.
- Evaluating the pros and cons of assisted living vs. home care offers assistance. Each has its pros and cons to consider. Generally, those who need extensive daily care will want to choose home care, while those who can remain independent will prefer assisted living.
Choosing the right care depends on the information above. Taking a calculated approach to research will help individuals plan accordingly.
At Orchard Park of Permian Basin, we treat our residents like family. Our expansive grounds are beautiful and offer all the amenities residents need for enjoying life to the fullest.
