As our parents begin to experience old age, they start to require more and more assistance in order to carry out even simple, everyday tasks. Couple this with the fact that after we pass a certain age, we are at a significantly higher risk of developing high-blood pressure, heart issues and diabetes and it becomes clear that we will eventually require help on a daily basis.
There are those who don't have the time or simply don't want to deal with their aging parents and these are the type of people who carelessly stuff their parents into a retirement home without a single thought about their parents' wishes and their well-being. Fortunately, there are other, more humane options when it comes to taking care of your aging parents you should consider before making your final decision.
Living at home
People prefer to stay in their home. It's the place where they've spent their entire life and forcing them out of it simply because you cannot take care of them is a cruel solution. Luckily, it is possible to have your parents stay in their homes, as long as you provide them with housekeeping, food delivery service, support and help regarding any health-related issues they might have and in-home assistance. Even though this might seem like too much work, there are caregivers and registered nurses that provide regular house visits and elderly assistance in order to allow your parents to remain in their family home.
Granny flats
Granny flats are an excellent, stay-at-home alternative to retirement homes. Granny flats refer to small, single-room houses that people build in their backyards that are usually reserved for guests or to provide their kids with more privacy once they reach a certain age. However, they can also be used to house the elderly and as such, provide them with a certain level of independence while still being close enough for comfort. Building one is not as expensive as you might think; however, getting the necessary permits to build one can be somewhat tricky, depending on where you live.
Retirement communities
Retirement communities refer to independent, multi-unit apartment environments used to house the elderly. They often include group meals, housekeeping, organized transportation and group activities. The residents themselves are allowed to come and go as they please, with the added benefit of living in a large group setting. Amenities and pricing options vary from community to community and as the need for care increases, additional services such as help with bathing or laundry can often be included for a fee.
Retirement villages
Retirement villages are arguably the best possible option for your elderly parents. Houses in such villages can either be rented or purchased and the best retirement villages offer services including home repair, educational and social activities and transportation. Most of them require a fee to join and the majority of retirement villages are actually directed and maintained by volunteers and paid staff. It's a popular choice for many, as it allows the elderly to enjoy living inside their own personal home while being provided with the necessary services and being surrounded by their peers.
These are just some of the most popular options for taking care of the elderly. If your parents' health is considerably deteriorated, then you might want to consider taking them to a continuing care retirement community that offers assisted, independent and professional nursing facilities, all in one place. Have in mind that moving to a new community can be rather disruptive for aging people with various health issues. That is another very important factor to consider when making such a big decision.
About the author:
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips. |
