Assisted Living

Embracing Change: How the New Generation Approaches Senior Care and Care at Home for Their Loved Ones

As the new generation takes the reins of responsibility, they bring with them fresh perspectives on senior care and caring for loved ones at home. With technological advancements, changing societal attitudes, and a focus on individualized well-being, the new generation is reshaping the landscape of senior care. In this blog post, we explore how the new generation is embracing change and revolutionizing senior care for their loved ones.


1.  Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Care: The new generation grew up in a digital era, and they are harnessing technology to revolutionize senior care. Home care apps, wearable devices, and smart home technology are empowering them to monitor their loved ones’ health, safety, and daily activities remotely. These innovations provide peace of mind and enable immediate assistance in case of emergencies.


2.  Prioritizing Independence and Aging in Place: Unlike traditional approaches to senior care, the new generation recognizes the importance of promoting independence and enabling their loved ones to age in place. They seek out home care options that prioritize individual autonomy and strive to create an environment where seniors can maintain their lifestyle, routines, and social connections.


3.  Personalized Care Solutions for Individual Needs: Understanding that each person’s needs are unique, the new generation is demanding personalized care solutions for their loved ones. They value flexibility in care arrangements, such as customizable care plans and access to specialized services. By tailoring care to specific requirements, they ensure their loved ones receive the support they need while preserving their dignity and individuality.


4.  Collaboration and Information Sharing: The new generation is highly connected and seeks out knowledge and support from online resources, forums, and social networks. They actively engage in discussions related to senior care, exchanging experiences, seeking advice, and collaborating with other caregivers and professionals. This collective wisdom helps them make informed decisions and find the best solutions for their loved ones.


5.  Holistic Approach to Well-being: Recognizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being, the new generation goes beyond physical care. They prioritize activities that promote social interaction, mental stimulation, and emotional support for their loved ones. From arranging social outings to engaging in meaningful conversations, they aim to enhance their loved ones’ overall quality of life.

The new generation is redefining senior care and home care for their loved ones. Their embrace of technology, emphasis on independence, personalization of care, collaborative approach, and holistic well-being demonstrate a progressive and compassionate mindset. As they navigate the challenges of senior care, the new generation is paving the way for a future where individuals can age with dignity, comfort, and a strong support system in place. By embracing change and leveraging innovation, they are making a positive impact on the lives of their loved ones and shaping the future of senior care.

Strategies to Help Loved Seniors Navigate Life Alone 

The daily in-home services offered through Amber Personal Care include meal preparation, hygiene, cleaning, supervision, and more. Connect with us today to learn more! (303) 955-7018

Aging comes with many inevitable realities. If you have a senior loved one in your life, you may be wondering how you can help them deal with these realities, especially if they live alone. Below, Amber Personal Care shares some things you can do to help. 

Encourage Social Connection 

A recent poll by the University of Michigan reported that over 56% of older adults reported feeling alone. Here are some ways to reduce alienation in older adults.  

  • Improve mobility: Facilitate ease of movement by educating them about public transportation options or encouraging the use of adaptive aids. 
  • Getting a roommate: Setting your senior up with a roommate is an excellent way to help them save money, but it also gives them someone to interact with regularly. 
  • Move into a senior community: If it’s evident that your senior loved one is no longer capable of aging in place at home, look into local nursing facilities that offer social activities like game nights. You have a choice of 25 such facilities in Denver alone. 
  • Community engagement: Encourage your loved one to visit the local community center or fitness class to increase socialization. 

Improve Their Relationship with Technology 

Help your senior loved one get on board with technology. This can really help them navigate everyday life and loneliness.  

  • Encourage digital communication: Try to ease them into Zoom or FaceTime calls, so they can keep up with loved ones regularly.  
  • Smart devices: A smart device will help them make calls, provide entertainment and manage appointments and reminders. 
  • Get them an iPhone for their needs: While we may think the latest iPhone or Android is critical for communication, try to consider what will serve your loved one better instead. For example, a phone designed for seniors or more basic phone options with reduced features. 

How Else to Help 

You and other loved ones can also implement some easy strategies to better your seniors’ life. Here’s what to do: 

  • Visit regularly: If you can, try to visit regularly. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve their mood. 
  • Financial help: Help your loved one navigate financial matters and decisions. An important one is the sale of their home (this handy calculator can help you with this). 
  • Don’t be patronizing: Be gentle with your suggestions, and avoid a condescending tone – no one likes being talked down to! 

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 27 percent of older adults live alone, leading to depression, anxiety, and alienation. Try the strategies mentioned above to help your loved one thrive in life – even when alone.  

The daily in-home services offered through Amber Personal Care include meal preparation, hygiene, cleaning, supervision, and more. Connect with us today to learn more! (303) 955-7018

Image from Unsplash 

When to Consider Arranging Care for an Older Parent

As your parents age, you’ll find that their needs change and their ability to care for themselves diminishes. Many people in Colorado find themselves in a situation where one parent remains mostly self-sufficient, and the other requires nursing home care. If you approach the situation strategically and are diligent about evaluating potential options, you can find a safe and comfortable solution for both your parents.

For more information and care options, visit Amber Personal Care.

How to Know If a Parent Needs Assisted Living Services

Since older people can be resistant to the idea of assisted living care, it may be unrealistic to expect them to pursue the option themselves. If one of your parents has become particularly dependent on the other for everyday tasks, mobility, hygiene, or health-related needs, it’s probably time to consider bringing in outside help.

Nursing Home Care Can Improve Quality of Life for the Independent Parent

If your parents are still together, and one is reliant on the other, this situation can quickly become very stressful for the more independent parent. While they may be mobile, their own physical abilities might be on the decline, and having to care for a less-capable or even immobile partner on top of their own needs can have negative effects on their health and quality of life. However, the more physically capable parent may be resistant to placing their significant other in nursing home care for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to talk to them and help them understand their options.

Options for New Living Arrangements

One parent entering into assisted living in Colorado doesn’t mean they have to separate from their partner. Many assisted living communities offer companion suites. Downsizing is also an option if only one of them is going to move.

At-Home Care Is Possible

If an assisted living community doesn’t seem right for your parent, you can also explore options for at-home care. Nurses can visit each day between scheduled hours to help your loved one handle necessary tasks involving personal hygiene, nutrition, cleaning, and dressing. This option also helps to take some of the strain off of the parent who doesn’t need in-home nursing care.

How to Cover the Costs

Nursing home care in Colorado can be particularly expensive, and many families aren’t sure how they’ll cover the costs. Aside from insurance coverage, there are some options to help reduce the expenses and make the monthly fees more realistic. One option that many older people explore is renting out their homes. If your parent is a homeowner, they can become a landlord while living in an assisted living community. Being a landlord takes time and money due to the need for property maintenance and the ability to respond to tenant grievances, so you should consider whether that’s realistic for your situation. Property management companies can help with the monthly rent collection and maintenance coordination.

Considering a Nursing Home

While nursing homes can be great options for aging seniors in Colorado who need daily care, they aren’t for everyone, so be sure to vet potential communities. Remember, your parents have options that can keep them together if desired, there are alternative ways to pay for nursing home care, and at-home care from Amber Personal Care is a potential alternative.

Home Care vs Assisted Living: Making the Right Choice for You

Making decisions about care for yourself or your loved one can be a difficult, overwhelming task. You’re probably not sure where to start or what questions to ask, and feel like there are too many choices to make to ensure the best experience possible. If so, you’re not alone. Fortunately there are many options for people who need a little extra help. Home care and assisted living are options that have helped millions of individuals who need a little extra aid day-to-day, and they can help you too.

Home Care

As the name implies, home care allows you to remain in the familiar comfort of your own house. You can stay in your own bed, eat at your regular table, and enjoy the home you created. Home care gives you the freedom to select certain times of care that work best for your needs, even 24/7, and have assistance whenever you need it. Home care has also been found to reduce time spent in the hospital, saving time and money. In an additional study, home visits reduced rates of mortality and longer term care in senior patients.

As of 2015, there were 4.5 million patients in the United States receiving home care. Home care assistants can be medical professionals for necessary procedures such as shots or emergencies. Home caregivers could also be individuals skilled in care for clients with a wide array of needs. Either way, home caregivers are much more than a visiting guest; they provide consistency and companionship in addition to experience. Home care can also be an additional feature for persons in senior living communities: housing communities in which seniors can live near each other. 

Assisted Living

Similar to home care, assisted living allows you to live your life and receive help when you need it. It involves moving into a new place, such as a residential care community. In a recent study, residents in community-dwelling exhibited better improvement of daily living activities compared to individuals treated in a regular hospital.

As of 2015, there were over 811,000 residents in over 28,000 long-term residential care communities. Assisted living communities provide care when you need it, while also adding the social dynamic of new people. Caregivers in assisted living communities can also help with daily tasks as needed.

There is no one size fits all right choice between home care and assisted living; circumstances are different for everyone and always changing. There are, however, a few questions that you can ask to find the right choice for you:

  • Do your current housing options fit your needs?: With many options for long-term care come many options for housing. For many older adults, aging in place provides comfort and familiarity during a difficult time. Others may prefer the opportunity to live somewhere new or in a community. Which circumstance best fits your needs? Are there any medical or environmental factors which may make living at home easier or difficult? When deciding on home care vs. assisted living, ask yourself how comfortable you feel in your home, and if you can see yourself remaining there long-term.
  • What are the specifics of your needs? Home care professionals can be hourly or live-in, whereas assisted living communities are typically always staffed. Do you need assistance for a few hours per day and during consistent times? Or are your needs more sudden or long-term? If the latter is the case, you may want to consider assisted living or a live-in home caregiver. Home care also offers better options for schedule flexibility compared to assisted living communities.
  • What form of care do you need? Home care professionals can offer a wide array of services to fit your needs, beyond those offered by assisted care facilities. Home care services can specifically fit individuals recovering from surgery, patients with physical disabilities, or patients with dementia, in addition to seniors. 
  • What are your ideal social dynamics? Home care can provide one-on-one companionship, while assisted living can also introduce you to a whole community of new people. What level of social interaction would you like? It is worth considering that multiple studies have found that increased social interaction with individuals outside one’s family is good for seniors and can have many benefits.

We know that these choices are not easy and you are likely feeling lost. Answering these questions now can be the compass to guide you out of that confusion. 

We hope you have found these suggestions helpful. If you are considering home care in the Colorado area, we would like to be even more helpful with a free consultation.

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