Finding the Right Place

When a loved one gets ill, most families are venturing into unchartered waters. The options for long term care are extensive and finding the right fit can seem like an impossible task during this emotional time. A good first step before looking into long term care options is to make sure that your loved one’s health has been properly assessed. Once a medical professional has completed an examination, he or she will be able to determine the level of care that your loved one will require. This will arm you with vital information and help to narrow your search. You can then assist your loved one in finding the best care arrangement to suit their needs.

At Zacharia Brown, when we meet with families to discuss care options, many people indicate that their elderly loved one would like to remain at home, if at all possible. If your loved one does want to stay at home, there are different types of assistance available to help them remain there safely. In-home assistance can be provided by home health care agencies for daily living tasks like cooking, cleaning, dressing, grooming, bathing and even companionship. Most of these agencies offer assistance from a minimum of 2 hours up to a maximum of 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, for care outside of the home, Adult Day Care centers offer meals, activities and often transportation.

An Independent Living Community is an option for healthier individuals who choose not to remain in their home. These communities offer maintenance-free lifestyles, social activities and other amenities. Another choice for people entering into a care community while still in good health is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). These CCRCs offer amenities similar to those found at the Independent Living Communities, but they also provide residents with a comprehensive, lifetime range of care from independent living to nursing care at the same campus. Most CCRCs require a one-time entrance fee in addition to a monthly rental fee.

An Assisted Living Community may be an appropriate option if your loved one needs assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, incontinence care, and meal preparation. Memory Care, also known as Alzheimer’s care or dementia care, is a long-term residential care arrangement specially designed for residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. Memory Care is often provided within a separate section of an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility. This type of residential care may be the best option for an older adult with severe memory loss or cognitive decline who is no longer able to live independently.

Finally, a Nursing Home is often the first stop for those who need to receive physical, occupational, and other rehabilitative therapies due to a serious medical event or after surgery. For many, the therapy and rehabilitation is not enough and permanent placement in the nursing home is required. Skilled Nursing Care is a permanent placement for those who require continual nursing care and have significant difficulty coping with the required activities of daily living.

The knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Zacharia Brown are well equipped to help you evaluate the many care options available to your loved one and find the best solution for your family. Please contact us at 724.942.6200 or visit PittsburghElderLaw.com  to make an appointment today.