In life, things can take a rapid turn for the worse when we least expect it. The best we can do is plan ahead and secure the best outcome to the best of our ability. And sometimes, it is the simplest answers that are the best ones, even when it comes to issues as complex as senior care.
While you may feel it is your duty to take care of your aging loved one, this may not be in anyone’s best interest, which makes it all the more important that you take your time and do your research when helping your aging parent decide about their future, and all the more so if the decision-making is entirely up to you.
For instance, homecare in Santa Monica may be an excellent option for the majority of seniors in the area, but it may not be a viable solution in your current situation. Read on to learn more about all the senior care options available.
How do you find elderly care?
Finding elderly care may not be easily accomplished, especially if you are already coping with the feelings of guilt, grief and anxiety. You need to consider your elderly loved one’s needs and fears, their level of independence and anxiety, as well as the current state of their physical and mental health.
Elderly care options differ in flexibility and level of care provided:
- Independent living community
- Assisted living community
- Nursing home
- Memory support facility
- Respite care
- Residential care home
- Home care
- Hospice care
Can an elderly person refuse care?
An elderly person can refuse care and this may be a good sign, indicating that they still have a sense of their own identity and autonomy. However, it also presents a challenge for you in its own right. If this is the case, in home care would likely be the best option as a caregiver would look after your elderly loved one in the comfort of their home.
Who is responsible for an elderly parent?
As long as your aging parents remain competent and able to make decisions, including financial decisions, independently and on their own, they have a right to refuse your help and you are not legally responsible for taking care of them.
Even if you prefer to take care of your aging parents by yourself, remember that being their caregiver can be a full-time job which can take a considerable toll on your quality of life and future, and affect other people in your life.
Who can help my elderly parents?
Some seniors need hands-on assistance to help them navigate day-to-day life such as trips to the Santa Monica Place in a comfortable way. Others, on the other hand, need minimal assistance in practical terms. However, both of these groups have similar needs: all the elderly can benefit from socializing and having a familiar face to keep them company.
Are we obligated to take care of our parents?
California’s filial support law provides that adults may bear legal responsibility for their aging parents. According to California Family Code §§ 4400-4405, “every adult child who, having the ability so to do, fails to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical attendance for an indigent parent, is guilty of a misdemeanor.”
You may be legally responsible if your parents are unable to take care of themselves. You may need to cover unpaid medical bills or the costs of long-term care in a specialized senior care facility.
Compassionate providers of homecare in Santa Monica and the area
The situation is complex: you have your elderly parents’ wellbeing at heart, but you are confused by senior care options and worry about whether you will reach the best decision.
We can help you navigate the difficult decision-making process and match you with compassionate and competent caregivers who will treat your elderly loved one honestly and respectfully. For more details on what we have to offer and how that fits in your bigger picture, contact A Better Way in Home Care now.
