What Are the Different Types of Care for the Elderly?

Just like the snowflakes that have (usually) fallen in Howard County, Maryland, by February, no two senior citizens are alike.

As you might guess, that also means no two types of catering to senior needs are identical, either.

Families who are nearing a milestone with a loved one, and who have a decision to make about long-term care, may feel slightly bewildered, wondering, “What is the best route for my loved one?”

“What are the different types of care for the elderly?”

For seniors who are active, independent, upwardly mobile, and free from the need for medical care of any kind, independent living remains an ideal choice. Many of today’s senior communities offer apartment or condo-style living while providing additional benefits such as central activity centers that sponsor social events and gated security to offer peace of mind for families.

In-home care and hourly respite care are also great options for seniors who are capable of remaining in their own homes, but who may require some assistance with medication or some day-to-day living tasks, such as bathing or meals. Family members who serve as primary caregivers for their aging loved ones often opt for these styles of care when they must be away from home for work or travel. Aging-in-place solutions can be expensive, however, particularly for those seniors who will ultimately require around-the-clock care.

But take heart: for many other seniors who require slightly more attention, and hands-on intervention, there are many choices of elder care available, and one in particular offers all of the comforts of home.

• Assisted Living: Assisted living residences, like those offered at Kenwood Care, are designed to feel like a traditional home environment, with the benefit of around-the-clock assistance for residents. Assisted living homes prioritize activities of daily life (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and dining. Residents enjoy as much or as little help as they want or need. Initial assessments determine the precise level of care required.

Typical amenities at an assisted living home include daily housekeeping, laundry services, meals, and medication assistance. At Kenwood Care, unparalleled access to exemplary medical assistance is available, as well as transportation to and from appointments.

Perhaps one of the biggest – if not the biggest – perks of assisted living is the social aspect inherent in these homes. Group activities, arranged and overseen by a coordinator, offer residents a chance to make new friends while engaging with one another regularly. From field trips to exercise classes, musical therapy, and good, old fun and games – daily socialization helps to keep seniors alert, engaged, and healthy.

• Memory Care: Memory care refers to facilities designed and equipped to provide patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia with a secure and structured environment. Here, frequent check-ins help to reduce stress, anxiety, and incidents that could lead to bodily harm. This type of care also helps seniors navigate the ups and downs of an unpredictable and frustrating disease. Many seniors are capable of caring for themselves during the early stages of Dementia, but conditions can change quickly.

Kenwood Care proudly offers memory care services and more. We collaborate with some of the finest geriatric doctors and nurses in Howard County, who make regular rounds in our homes to ensure that all needs are being met.

Our Alzheimer’s and Dementia care specialists have been recognized for providing top-rated memory care, as well as the best in-state medical support to our seniors.

• Palliative Care: Focused on relieving pain through holistic healing, palliative care takes a natural approach to support individuals with ongoing serious illnesses or conditions such as cancer or congestive heart failure. This specialized medical care is often conducted in tandem with curative treatments. In many instances, it can also serve as a transition to end-of-life or hospice care.

• Hospice Care: Unlike palliative care, which can be implemented at any time during a health journey – whether at the beginning of a diagnosis, during treatment, or at the final stages of disease – hospice care is typically initiated when a senior has only months to a year left to live. Its goal is to provide a calm, comfortable, and peaceful environment for terminally ill adults in their final days.

Emphasis is placed on managing pain and easing symptoms, as well as medication administration. Frequently, talk therapy is provided to assist patients and their families with the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of the end-of-life journey.

Kenwood Care offers both palliative and hospice care to residents at all of our Howard County homes at no additional cost to families. Our team has partnered with AccentCare Hospice & Palliative Care, helping to make this sometimes challenging, yet necessary journey, safe and peaceful for our families.

When it comes to caring for the elderly, Kenwood Care offers solutions for every step of the journey ahead. Our assisted living homes are designed to offer a full spectrum of services – including end-of-life care – while improving the quality of life for our families. Most importantly, once your loved one has moved into one of our four convenient and comfortable residential homes, they will never have to move again.

Reach out to our team today to discuss you or your loved one’s care needs and how we can help meet them.