Where Do I Start? Options for Senior Living in Central Ohio
By CarePatrol of Columbus-Central Ohio
The elderly can have many different needs ranging from physical, medical, social and financial, to name a few. Here are some of the signs that it’s time to seek more help:
- Loss of a significant other
- Isolation, forgetfulness
- Inability to prepare meals for self
- Depression
- Inadequate hygiene
- Recent falls or unsteadiness
- Unkempt home or smell of urine
- Late bill payments
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Mood changes
- Dementia
- Inconsistent medication taking
- Any other change in normal behavior
Oftentimes, there isn’t a family member available or qualified to provide the care necessary to keep them safe and able to maintain a quality of life. Caregivers can become “burned out” trying to meet all the needs required. It becomes quite burdensome to figure out where to start in searching for the appropriate care options. Central Ohio is home to a plethora of living options for seniors needing assistance. In Ohio, the typical Assisted Living home is licensed as a Residential Care Facility.
Many people use these terms interchangeably. Some are even referred to as nursing homes. The Ohio Department of Health licenses residential care facilities and conducts on-site inspections for compliance with state rules and regulations. Central Ohio alone has nearly 200+ different options. Some options for keeping Mom or Dad home include arranging family or friends for personal assistance, privately hiring a professional caregiver such an In-Home Care company available for different levels of care, and. occasional transportation to Adult Day-Care sites.
Community Options: Independent Senior Living or Retirement Community.
These communities are for independent seniors who are looking for numerous social activities, transportation, fitness clubs, maintenance-free living and prepared meals in some cases.
Assisted Living.
These communities provide activities and meals like Independent Living, in addition to assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management, toileting, mobility, etc. An individual will pay either an all-inclusive price, however most places charge a base rent and then add on for additional levels of care.
Residential Care Homes. These homes offer a home-like setting similar to family living. They can house from 2-5 residents who socialize and share meals. They also have caregivers who assist with bathing, dressing, transfers (mobility) and medications. Residential Care Homes typically provide an all-inclusive rate for care.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Memory Care.
Often a completely separate area of a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Community, they are required to have a secure building to help ensure those who wander are safe.
Skilled Nursing Home.
There are two types: Acute and Long-Term Care. Acute Nursing Homes are for seniors who require significant skilled care because of an illness, chronic condition or rehab following a hospital stay. Long -Term Care Nursing Homes are for seniors who need constant assistance and require constant medical care. It’s not only important to know all the options when looking for care solutions for oneself or a loved one, it’s equally important to know which options are best suited for the individual needing assistance now and in the future. This is where the Columbus CarePatrol team can step in to help. We can navigate this difficult decision-making time with you.
Our goal is to provide you with the safest options for you while we look at the many individual needs for each senior. Let’s face it, not every community works for every person. Our Senior Care Consultants are advocates for families and their loved one. We can meet with the family, assess their or their loved one’s care needs, make appropriate recommendations as well as schedule and accompany them on tours of the communities.
Our services are provided to families free of charge, as we are compensated by our thousands of network providers. CarePatrol also pre-screens and monitors the communities and homes to ensure they are in good standing with the Health Department and help you understand any violations they may have had in the past. The last thing families should have to worry about is if the communities they are considering will provide a safe and reliable care for their loved one. We remain in contact with our families after the move as well, to ensure their loved one’s care needs are being met.