How to Support and Plan Long-Term Care for Parents

Providing care for parents as they age can become daunting. Instead, learn how to support and plan their long-term care by reviewing their independent living options in Allen, TX.

According to the Administration for Community Living, people turning age 65 have almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and support in their remaining years. About 20% of seniors age 65 and up will need care for over five years. However, planning care for aging parents isn't always easy. 

Learn how to support and plan care for parents by finding a community that can meet their needs. Read on to discover how to narrow down the options for senior care in Allen, TX.

What Are the Options for Senior Living?

Common senior living options include:

• Independent living communities
• Independent living communities
• Nursing homes
• Memory care communities
• Continuing care retirement communities
• Active adult communities
• Personal care homes

Your parents may prefer to choose between an assisted living or an independent living community. Independent living communities allow seniors to take care of themselves while receiving support as needed. They can rent out an apartment or home while enjoying:

• Home maintenance
• Housekeeping
• Laundry services
• Daily meals
• A fitness center
• A game room
• Group activities and outings

Assisted living communities offer the same conveniences and amenities. However, seniors are given more help completing daily tasks, such as:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Cooking meals
• Going to the bathroom

Before choosing between independent living options, consider their daily routine. If they require help completing tasks of daily living, consider assisted living. If they can complete these tasks alone, consider independent living.

What Are the Benefits of Independent Living for Seniors?

Moving into an independent living community can offer your parents:

• Personalized care
• Safety and security
• Nutritious meals
• Peace of mind (for you and them)
• Social engagement and fun activities
• Intellectual stimulation
• Scheduled outings
• Maintenance-free living
• 24-hour care

How to Plan Care for Parents

Planning care for parents doesn't have to feel stressful. Here are a few tips on planning care for aging parents.

Determine The Budget

Review your parents' monthly budget before making a list of communities. Discuss their financial situation and determine if they have money set aside for care. You can research options to pay for care, such as:

• Private funding
• VA benefits
• Long-term care insurance

Gather Parent Support Resources

As you apply these family caregiving tips, consider exploring parent support resources. These can include Eldercare Locator or LeadingAge's Aging Services Directory.

Explore Independent Living Options

Start researching communities in Allex, TX. Write down the pros and cons of each community based on your parents' needs and preferences.

Determine where each community is located. Ask your parents if they prefer to be in the city or in a peaceful, rural area.

Once you determine the location, explore nearby medical care options. Confirm that specialists can easily access patients when needed.

Explore the community's accessibility, such as:

• Walkability
• Biking paths
• Stairlifts
• Wheelchair ramps
• Elevators
• Grab bars and handrails
• Zero-threshold showers

Determine what security measures are in place. Your parents should feel safe in their new community.

Social isolation and loneliness can affect your parents' mental and physical health. Research the community's recreation options. Check their website for an events and activities calendar to determine if they offer options that suit your parents' preferences.

Determine if the community offers senior lifestyle programs, such as:

• Dining
• Fitness
• Activities
• Educational opportunities
• Outings

These programs can help your parents enjoy life post-retirement. For example, getting regular exercise may help prevent chronic health conditions. Socializing can uplift their mood and give them a sense of belonging.

Tour Senior Care Allen, TX

Brochures and floor plans won't do a community justice. Schedule a tour with three local communities.This step can help your parents recognize what they like or don't like, such as:

• The community culture and atmosphere
• Activities 
• Types of meals available
• The layout of the apartment
• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Whether the community is clean and well-maintained

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask before the tour.For example:

• What is the team-member-to-senior ratio?
• Are background checks completed for team members?
• Is anyone trained in memory care?
• How are medical emergencies handled?
• How are care plans created and updated?
• What does the move-in process involve?
• Are there entrance or deposit fees?
• How often do fees increase?

Ask if the community offers levels of care. This refers to the amount of help a resident needs to complete activities of daily living.

The community's team members should evaluate your parents':

• Physical and mental well-being
• Health and medical needs
• Mobility and fine motor skills

These factors can help them determine the level of care your parents need. This ensures your parents will receive personalized care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Tell That My Parents Need Independent Living?

Don't wait for an emergency to occur before discussing senior living with your parents. Instead, involve them in the decision-making process early on. Signs it may be time for your parents to move into senior living include:

• They're unhappy in their current living situation
• They want more independence
• They want to spend more time doing things they enjoy
• They're no longer socializing
• Worsening health problems
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Declining nutrition or poor eating habits
• Living alone has become a safety concern

If these situations sound familiar, it's likely time to broach the subject. Let your parents know that you'll support them in every step of the process.

What's the Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living?

Before suggesting that your parents move into a senior living community, compare their care options. Common differences between independent and assisted living include:

• Cost
• Medical support
• Activities of daily living
• Community design
• Family environment
• Amenities

Before choosing senior care in Allen, TX, compare your parents' independent living options. Look for a community that offers services tailored to their needs.

Start Planning Care for Aging Parents

It's never too early to start planning care for parents. Use these parent support resources to find a community that meets their needs.

Look no further than Discovery Village at Twin Creeks. We offer exclusive lifestyle programs, including Sensations Dining, Celebrations Activities & Events, and Dimensions Health & Fitness, to help seniors enjoy post-retirement living. Contact us now to schedule a tour.