CITIES SERVED Agency, Amazonia, Amity, Avondale, Belton, Birmingham, Blue Springs, Bolckow, Buckner, Camden Point, Cameron, Clarksdale, Claycomo, Cleveland, Cosby, Crystal Lakes, De Kalb, Dearborn, Easton, Edgerton, Elmira, Excelsior Estates, Excelsior Springs, Farley, Faucett, Ferrelview, Fort Osage, Gladstone, Gower, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Guilford, Helena, Hemple, Holt, Homestead Village, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City North, Kearney, King City, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lathrop, Lawson, Lees Summit, Liberty, Martin City, Maysville, Mc Fall, McFall, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Orrick, Osborn, Paradise, Parkville, Pattonsburg, Peculiar, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Valley, Randolph, Raymore, Raytown, Rea, Riverside, Rosendale, Rushville, Saint Joseph, Savannah, Sibley, Smithville, Stewartsville, Sugar Creek, Taos, Tracy, Trimble, Turney, Union Star, Unity Village, Village of Oakview, Weatherby, Weatherby Lake, West Line, Weston, Winthrop, Wood Heights

Zip Codes Served 64012, 64014, 64015, 64016, 64018, 64024, 64028, 64029, 64030, 64034, 64048, 64050, 64052, 64053, 64054, 64055, 64056, 64057, 64058, 64060, 64062, 64063, 64064, 64068, 64075, 64077, 64078, 64079, 64081, 64082, 64083, 64086, 64088, 64089, 64098, 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64109, 64110, 64111, 64112, 64113, 64114, 64116, 64117, 64118, 64119, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64125, 64126, 64127, 64128, 64129, 64130, 64131, 64132, 64133, 64134, 64136, 64137, 64138, 64139, 64145, 64146, 64147, 64149, 64150, 64151, 64152, 64153, 64154, 64155, 64156, 64157, 64158, 64161, 64163, 64164, 64165, 64166, 64167, 64401, 64421, 64422, 64427, 64429, 64430, 64436, 64439, 64440, 64443, 64444, 64448, 64454, 64457, 64459, 64463, 64465, 64469, 64474, 64477, 64480, 64483, 64484, 64485, 64490, 64492, 64493, 64494, 64497, 64501, 64503, 64504, 64505, 64506, 64507, 64657, 64670, 64734, 66002, 66027, 66090, 66101, 66102, 66104, 66115

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HOW AND WHEN TO PLACE YOUR ELDERLY LOVED ONE INTO SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

By Kerri Dean

How do we know when it’s time to approach the subject of senior care living with our elderly loved one?  Here are some signs to look for.  Has mom had a recent accident or fall?  Does dad take longer to recover from an illness?  Do they have a chronic medical condition that is worsening?  Perhaps your loved one has substantial weight gain or weight loss.  Strange odors or changes in appearance i.e. your once clean shaven dad has an unkempt beard or mom is wearing stained wrinkled clothing when she normally would be in clean pressed clothes.  If you notice that your once social senior is isolating and spending less time with friends and engaging in hobbies and activities, this could be a red flag.  Check their cars for nicks or dents, this could be a sign of careless driving.  When visiting your senior, check if there is expired food or unopened mail, these are also indicators.  A messy, cluttered home and lax house cleaning can also be a warning.  Basically, you should be on the lookout for any noticeable changes in your senior’s appearance, habits, demeanor and of course their health.  Take into consideration anything out of the norm for them, especially those behaviors that can be dangerous.

Once you have come to the conclusion that it is time your senior find a better living situation, you need to decide which type of residential care is most appropriate.  Finding the right care for your elderly loved one can be a daunting task.  There are so many options to consider.  You may wonder what the differences are among independent living, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, board and care facilities and nursing homes.  How will I know what the best option for my loved one?  Below are the five main types of facilities to contemplate:

Independent living facilities are best for active adults who want a community without giving up their privacy. Most are studio or multi-bedroom apartments with a kitchen.

Continuing care retirement communities, (CCRCs) are best for those seeking a continuum of care from independent living to skilled nursing, in one location. CCRCs generally have studio or multi-bedroom apartments for their independent residents and private or shared rooms for residents who need more care.

Assisted living facilities are best for those who need some care and supervision but don't need skilled nursing care.

Board and care facilities,  are best for those who can't live independently due to physical or mental disabilities but who don't require full-time skilled nursing care. They feature private or semi-private rooms in a complex.

Skilled nursing facilities, (Nursing Homes) are care facilities that are best for those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full-time monitoring and medical care.

It is highly suggested to tour multiple locations and consult with a professional Senior Care Advisor, such as a member of the CarePatrol.  They can offer unbiased advice, answer any of your questions, and lower the stress of this major life change!