Caring for elderly parents is a noble act but can also be challenging and overwhelming. Understanding the available care options can relieve some of those burdens and help your parents receive proper care.
Government support systems such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security can help with financial burdens. Home healthcare, assisted living communities, adult day care centers, and respite care are additional support options that benefit you and your loved ones.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the types of support that are available when caring for your elderly parents.
Recognizing the Challenges of Caregiving
For many people, being a caregiver is an important and fulfilling role. However, it’s important to recognize the challenges that come with this responsibility.
Most caregivers are women, and almost one-third provide care for at least 20 hours a week. Despite the demands of the job, many caregivers don’t receive formal training and instead learn on the job.
These are just a few of the many insights into the world of caregivers, and it’s important to appreciate the work they do to support their loved ones.
Types of Support Options for You and Your Loved Ones
Governmental Support
Governmental support programs are available for elderly adults, such as Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Social Security provides pension payments to individuals who have reached retirement age and are no longer working.
- Medicare is a federally administered health insurance program that provides coverage for seniors over 65.
- Medicaid is a program that provides Medicaid benefits to those who qualify based on income and medical needs.
Understanding each program’s requirements, terms, and benefits is essential when considering your parents’ care needs.
Home Healthcare Services
Home healthcare services provide medical or non-medical support to seniors who cannot leave their homes independently.
Home care services include personal care, therapy, and housekeeping services. This type of care can benefit seniors who want to remain in their homes and need assistance with their daily living activities.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living can be an excellent option for seniors who require some level of assistance with their daily activities but still want to live independently.
These communities can provide your parents with considerable support, including medical care, meals, activities, and socialization. Assisted Living communities come in several variations, from small homes with just a few residents to larger communities with dozens or hundreds of apartments.
Adult Day Centers
Adult day centers provide seniors a socializing space, cognitive stimulation, and other activities while receiving healthcare services. Adult day centers can be a viable option for relieving caregiving responsibilities while providing a safe space for your parents to socialize and remain active during the day.
Respite Care
Respite care is temporary care relief for family caregivers. It can also allow you to take a break from caregiving duties while ensuring your parents’ care needs are still met.
Respite care can be provided in your home or a facility, and it is generally designed to take care of your parents’ daily activities and medical needs.
Support for Specific Conditions
If you care for someone with the following conditions, special respite care support might be available: Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, or lung disease; respite care services may be available from organizations that advocate for people with those specific diseases.
Embrace Support & Take a Break from Caregiving Responsibilities
Caring for an elderly parent can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. From government services to home healthcare and assisted living, several resources exist for you.
At Princeton Fox Trail Memory Care, we offer respite care, making it easy for your loved one to experience our community temporarily. Whether they’re considering moving in full-time due to changes from medical conditions or for you to take a break from caregiving responsibilities, respite care can provide a temporary stay.
Our team is here to provide exceptional support for our residents. Request a visit today at Princeton Fox Trail Memory Care.
