Mary S. from Colts Neck asks:
“My mother is currently living at home by herself. She’s recently become more forgetful and isn’t spending as much time with her friends as she used to. I’m also afraid of her falling. How do I figure out the best move for mom?”
Brie Gallo from Allaire Rehab and Nursing replies:
Hi Mary, first off I’d like to thank you for your question. Deciding the best move for mom is an individualized decision but I’m happy to explain some of the options for you in order to make the best choice for your family.
- Adult day cares offer a great opportunity for socialization. This setting is ideal for a person who will benefit from a few hours a week getting out of the house. Several adult day cares have nurses on staff and can administer medications. Some centers provide transportation as well.
- Non-medical/private duty home care is perfect for people who need companionship, light housekeeping, assistance with medications and personal care. This level of care can be used as little as a few hours per day all the way up to a full-time live-in care.
- A home health aide is very similar to the non-medical/private duty home care with the exception of nursing care is included with this level of care.
- Independent living is ideal for people who want to maintain their independence but also have the comfort of assistance close by. Some of these facilities have stoves in the apartments, which allows residents to still cook their meals if they choose, however they also have the option to eat in the facility dining room as well. Most independent living facilities also offer assisted living on site to make for a smooth transition.
- Assisted living is perfect for people who need some nursing care and some assistance with daily activities. These facilities usually offer apartment-style rooms, meals, activities, nursing care and medication management. Some assisted living facilities also offer memory care for people suffering from dementia. This level of care is best for people who need assistance but can still somewhat care for themselves.
- Sub-acute rehab is a temporary placement for people usually utilized after a hospital stay. A sub-acute rehab cares for people needing complex care or rehabilitation. This level of care is designed for someone suffering from an acute illness, injury or disease. Patients come to a sub-acute rehab to complete their rehabilitation or treatment and then are discharged back to one of the previously mentioned levels; if none of those are appropriate, they can easily transition into a long-term care/nursing home. Most sub-acute rehabs also have a long-term care facility on sight in order to provide a smooth transition.
- Long-term care/nursing home is appropriate once people are no long able to care for themselves. Long-term care facilities offer 24-hour nursing care and assistance in various activities of daily living as well as social service assistance. Meals, activities, transportation, and a variety of other services are all provided at this level of care.
After exploring the carious options listed, I implore you to research each to find the one that will better equip you to make the best decision for mom.
Brie Gallo is the director of Case Management and Physician Relations at Allaire Rehab & Nursing, 115 Dutch Lane Road, Freehold. She can be reached at [email protected]. For more information, call 732-431-7420 or visit www.allairehc.com.