Long-term Care

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.

How to Talk to Your Loved One about Long-term Care

To quote Benjamin Franklin, “by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” Of course, planning for your loved one’s long-term care can be difficult. Conversations are the most important start to planning long-term care for your loved ones, but they can be tricky. With so many emotions involved, how do you start a productive discussion about the future? While there’s no clear script to follow, there are several tips you should keep in mind.

  • Be ready: Start by looking into different long-term care options, such as home care or assisted living, as well as the necessary paperwork for each option. Familiarize yourself with the prices and questions you should ask. Be sure to check in with yourself before the conversation starts. A few questions you can ask are “what is most important to me?” “am I ready for this?” and “how would I want this conversation to go if I were in my loved one’s position?”
    Keep in mind that these discussions may take longer than you currently expect.  Also, consider who should be present as you talk: groups can provide support, but also be pressuring if they get too large. Find a quiet area to talk that is free of distractions. It may help to lookup services in the area ahead of time as a beginning point. 
  • Start early and keep an open mind: While difficult times are the last thing you may want to discuss right now, the sooner you start the better. These conversations will take time and will involve a lot of thought and planning. Look carefully into each option and talk frankly with your loved ones about what is best for them. There are a host of resources to describe these options, and looking into the pros and cons of each choice will help you begin your search. You and your loved ones may need time to consider these options and think about what’s best.
  • Voice your feelings: Empathy is your friend throughout these discussions. Remember the Golden Rule: how would you like to be treated if you were in your loved one’s shoes? If you feel passionate about a topic based on fear or concern, be sure to let them know. It always helps to remind everyone involved that you love them and want what’s best for them. On the other hand, be ready to hear and address their feelings as well. Remind yourself that no one will agree completely, but different opinions do not make someone wrong.
  • Prepare yourself and your loved ones: Bringing long-term care to the home or moving to a long-term care facility will be a transition for all involved. Chances are your parent or loved one has not experienced these circumstances in many, many years. Look into testimonials from others to know what to expect, and share that information with everyone else. Keep in mind that you will be impacted as well, so you may want to inform those close to you you will be going through a difficult time. If your plan involves moving your loved one to a new location, such as an assisted care facility, try to tour it ahead of time and ask questions about favorite activities. The more information you can find, the easier the transition will be.
  • Make a clear plan: The closer you get to implement your plan, the more small decisions will arise. Answering as many questions as you can ahead of time will make those choices easier. A common mistake is not making plans after the transition occurs. Establishing a routine can add comfort to change. If you’re worried about a lack of communication, for example, try setting up a certain time to call.
  • Work together: You and your loved ones are partners in this planning stage. This dynamic may be different than the one you are used to, so you may want to set up some ground rules. Keep in mind that this choice will impact you both, so work to find decisions that help you both. When working together you have to listen to one another, especially when that gets difficult. Remember at the end of the day that you have a common goal in mind.
  • Be ready for change: As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, even the best-laid plans can run into complications. Keep in mind that circumstances may change for any of the parties involved and plans will need to change with them.

We know that creating long-term plans for your loved ones can be painful or difficult. While the conversation may be hard, starting now can only help further down the road. If you would like further information about long-term care options in the Colorado area, we offer a free consultation.

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