Who/What/When/Where/How – Questions to Consider for an Aging Loved One
Seeing your loved one age and lose the ability to take care of themselves is very difficult to face, but at some point, addressing the issue and figuring out the best way to care for your loved one becomes inevitable. Whether an unfortunate emergency or simple daily observation of your senior makes you realize it’s “time,” you must ask yourself several questions to determine the best course of action.
“What do I do now?”
This is perhaps the toughest question to ask yourself when you have noticed your loved one’s needs begin to change. Taking the first step is no easy task. To begin, consider all of your options, talk to friends, conduct plenty of research, talk to your senior. Make sure you listen to their needs and think about what would be best for them (while keeping these needs and desires in consideration).
“What options do I have?”
The benefit to figuring out the best course of action is that there are several care options for seniors out there. The best option for you may depend on your senior’s dependence level, your financial abilities, and other factors that you should take into consideration before making your decision. The common types of senior care include moving your senior into a home with other family members, in-home assisted care during which a certified nurse takes care of your senior, independent living facilities (commonly referred to as a retirement home), and assisted living facilities. Do plenty of research and assess your current needs and resources to find the best fit for your loved one.
“How long can I wait before making a decision?”
This question can be especially hard to answer if your senior still seems to hold much of their independence. How long you can wait to decide the best care for your loved one depends on their needs and your resources, but you ideally should not wait until an emergency has occurred to take action. When you have a gut feeling that you must do something soon, that’s often a good time to begin without further hesitation.
“Who can I ask for help?”
This is not a decision you have to make completely on your own. Aside from an extensive online search, talk to your friends, especially if they have gone through the same thing. Talk to your family members who will be affected by your decision and receive their input. There are also a variety of support groups and resources that you can contact for professional advice. Finally, talk directly to your senior. They will not make the final decision of course, but their needs and opinion must play an important role in it. Approach this difficult conversation with openness and understanding. Do your best to ensure they understand that their opinion matters, too.
One Solution: Assisted Living in Vienna, VA
Remember that only you and your family can ultimately decide how to provide your senior with the best care possible, and not all solutions work for all seniors. One potential, good solution to ensure your senior is well cared for and safe is to bring them to Tysons Woods, a small assisted living facility in Vienna, VA. We believe that small assisted living ensures that each individual patient is cared for with the personalized attention they require. Each of our assisted living homes houses only 8 residents, and we have a 1 to 4 staff-to-resident ratio. Our highly trained medical staff is available 24/7 to always ensure your aging loved one is well cared for.
If you feel assisted living may be the best choice for your senior, contact us today to learn more about our services!
