Specialized facilities: Skilled nursing, memory care, or Alzheimer's care
Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock medical care, usually administered by registered nurses and aides under the supervision of doctors. Your family member may also receive physical, speech, and occupational therapy, as well as assistance with activities of daily living.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she needs help from trained medical personnel on a daily basis -- such as insulin monitoring and injections for diabetes, or intravenous medication -- or if she's unable to feed, bathe, and dress herself, she may need to be in a skilled nursing facility long-term. A limited stay in a skilled nursing facility may be necessary after a medical crisis requiring hospitalization.
Memory care or Alzheimer's care facilities are specifically designed to serve Alzheimer's patients and those with other forms of dementia. They are generally secure, so that a patient who is confused can't wander off the grounds. The staff is specially trained to provide eldercare to seniors with cognitive issues.
- Is this the right option for my family member? If she suffers from Alzheimer's, dementia, or a condition such as Parkinson's or a stroke that has caused permanent cognitive impairment, she may well need this kind of specialized eldercare. But be sure a neurological exam confirms that any impairment is permanent before you make this decision. If the patient were to regain cognitive function, as may be possible after a stroke, this kind of setting wouldn't be right long-term.
For more information on eldercare housing options
The National Center for Assisted Living offers the CareInterpreter -- an online tool that asks a few basic questions about your family member's finances, health, memory, and independence, and then helps match her with the most suitable living situation.
Caring.com also provides a comprehensive Local Resources directory to assist your search for communities and other service providers.
