Time of Need

The windows are bright and lighting creates a somber atmosphere. A hospital bed is the majority of the photograph, but a blurry silhouette of a woman lying down can be seen in the background.

Administration on Community Living Explores Alternatives to Guardianship

Two departments of the Administration on Community Living are working on a project to build a national training, technical assistance, and resource center to explore and develop supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship... read more

How to Determine the Right Senior Care

While there are many who take care of their elderly relatives at home, a busy schedule might mean that you will not be able to provide as much as you like, and depending on the condition of your loved one, they could require 24- hour care. One of the most important decisions you can make for a loved one is determining what kind of facility can attend to their needs. Here is a short list of points to consider when finding your loved one a new home:

• Cost
• Assisted Living or Memory Care Facility
• Quality of life and Cleanliness

How Much Should You Spend?

It all depends. The national average of assisted living is $3,000 per room, and memory care follows at $5,000 per patient. Prices vary depending on the level of care your loved one needs, features and services of the facility, and whether you or your relative wants a private or semi-private room. Since they are going to be moving into a new home, there may be some things that are important to them that not another assisted living facility may not offer.

Better Living

Before you make a final decision, it’s a good idea to observe the inside of the facilities yourself. Another aspect to keep in mind is the level of care your loved one needs. For example, if they are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, you could consider a memory care facility. These places are specifically built for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s and offer a better quality of life for their patients. Overall, consider the happiness of your loved one.

For more information about a residential care home in Santa Cruz, visit this website.