Exploring Alternative Care Options for Older Individuals

Introduction

The demand for adaptable and accessible care options for older individuals continues to rise as the population continues to age. While traditional care homes still remain prevalent more, more people are looking into alternative care options. These care options are gaining recognition for their unique approach to addressing individuals needs. Offering a wide range of options that cater towards the diverse needs of aging people, prioritising individual preferences, independence and holistic well-being.

Retirement Communities

Retirement housing is a living arrangement where individuals over the age of 55 share a communal living area while residing in their private apartment or bungalow. This type of community emphasises social interaction and mutual support. Without the worry of residential maintenance, this is often included as part of an on-going cost. Properties are usually located within a walking distance to local shops and doctor surgeries and may also provide a form of emergency response system. This option offers individuals a balance of living independently with the benefit of a supportive community, coming at the cost of losing the familar surroundings of home and often with additional expense.

Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice and palliative care models focus on providing individuals with pain management, providing comfort and emotional support to those living with serious illnesses or require end of life care. These care options concentrate on enhancing the quality of life of those receiving care. Whilst hospice care is typically provided during the later stages of life, palliative care can be enlisted at any stage of an illness. Hospice care often offer complimentary services such as therapies promoting relaxation and beneficial for pain relief like acupuncture.

Family Caregiving

Family caregiving involves family members taking on the role of the primary caregiver of their elderly loved one, this will often be a spouse or children. This model also allows the individual to receive care in the comfort of their own home whilst also remaining in close contact with their family, receiving care from someone they know and trust. This means their caregiver will already have a good understanding of what their loved one’s preferences are and their medical history, providing a personal connection and genuine compassionate care.

The services of Home Care providers such as Respite Care, companionship care and personal care are available for family caregivers. Offering the caregiver the ability to take a break, practice self care and gain extra support from a professional service.

Home Care independence

Aging in place is a service that emphasises allowing individuals to remain in their own familiar surroundings of home while receiving the necessary care and support they need.

Home care services provide tailored assistance with everyday tasks, medication management as well as personalised care. It allows older people to maintain their independence whilst accessing the vital care they need. The services of home care are tailored to meet each individual’s level of need from companionship care to round the clock live in care. Home Care enables the receiver to remain in their own home with their cherished memories.

Further, it's flexible - in that it's available without the substantial commitment of entering a care home or moving into assisted living accommodation. This means that a home care provider can plan your care specifically around your loved ones needs.

Choosing The Right Model

Deciding on the appropriate care for yourself or a loved one involves the consideration of their unique needs, preferences and circumstances. If you are looking into care options for an older relative it is important for families to have an open discussion with their loved one to understand their wishes for their own later years.

By investigating these alternative care options, you can find a model that prioritises the emotional, physical and social well being of yourself or loved one whilst also maintain a sense of independence and connection.