One way to ensure that your aging loved one’s health remains in good condition is through short-term or long-term care services in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about senior care, encompassing short and long-term care to help you decide which health and personal care services are right for your senior loved one.
What Is Long Term Care?
Long-term care is any nursing assistance that helps seniors safely age at home or in residential facilities.
This care includes helping seniors with matters such as:
- Medication management and monitoring
- Physical therapy
- Meal preparation and cooking assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Housework and laundry assistance
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care (including memory coaching)
- Adult daycare services
- Hospice care services
How Does Short-Term Care Differ from Long-Term Care?
Short-term care services help seniors with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. They also assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), like cooking and housekeeping.
Home health aides or nurses who work under the supervision of a registered nurse provide short-term care services in the patient’s own home. Families of seniors can hire these professionals directly or via an agency.
Choosing A Nursing Home or Assisted Living Provider
When it comes to choosing a nursing home or assisted living provider for long-term care, consider the following:
- Is it a state-licensed facility?
- Is it Medicare or Medicaid-accredited?
- Does it have a good reputation in the community?
- What are the qualifications of the staff? Are they competent in all aspects of senior nursing care, including geriatrics, oncology, and palliative care?
- What are their policies on dietary restrictions and religious practices?
You can find out if a facility is state-licensed by visiting the website of your state’s health department or calling them directly. If they’re not state-licensed, they may not be able to accept Medicare or Medicaid payments from the government.
Once you’ve asked these questions and gotten answers from your loved ones, it’s time to schedule a visit. Take some time with them on this visit to see how comfortable they feel in the long-term care facility. If they seem happy and relaxed, then you’ve found a winner!
Learn More About Senior Care at Beach Breeze Rehabilitation & Care Center
Beach Breeze Rehabilitation & Care Center is a facility that provides quality long-term care to patients with disabilities or chronic conditions. Our team comprises experts in their fields, including nurses, physical therapists, and more.
We know that every patient has different needs and abilities, so we work closely with each one to develop an assisted living or nursing home care plan that will meet those needs while helping them achieve their goals as much as possible within the given timeframe.
If you’re looking for a long-term care facility in West Palm Beach, FL, contact Beach Breeze Rehabilitation & Care Center at BBadmin@Beachbreezerehab.com or online for a free tour of our long-term care facility. We understand how important this decision is and want to help you find the best care for your aging loved one.