LEVELS OF CARE – PART 2
The typical levels of Care are:
- Independent Living
- In-Home care
- (Respite Care)
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Skilled Nursing Home Care
These levels of care refer to the different types of care that an individual may need throughout their lifetime.
The thing about these levels of care is that they are not seamless, and they may or may not occur in a specific order. And each level requires a decision that needs to be made.
Let’s begin at the beginning.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
In our situation, my Mom realized (after a stroke) that it would be safer and easier if she no longer had to negotiate the stairs. My Brother and I knew that climbing up and down stairs was becoming increasingly more dangerous and difficult. And so, we (My Mom, Brother and Me) decided that an Independent Living Situation—where she would be amongst other Seniors but still be independent would be the best option. The search was on.
My Mom and Brother visited several Senior Living communities and decided upon the one where my Mother currently resides.
That was the first decision on this Levels of Care Journey. Little did we know the tough trails ahead.
IN-HOME CARE
Eventually additional decisions will need to be made once it becomes clear that your loved one is no longer capable of living alone.
THIS IS THE STAGE WHEN ONE IS IN DANGER OF BECOMING AN UNPAID FAMILY CAREGIVER.
This happens for a variety of reasons; however, the primary factor is that the loved one has a strong desire to remain in their own home. And research, evidence and every feeling you have will lead you to believe that remaining at home is what is actually best for your loved one. Because if you didn’t feel that way on some “LEVEL” you wouldn’t be a Caregiver today.
Finances may also not allow providing in-home care other than Friends and Relatives. And any in-home care provided by Insurance will undoubtedly not be sufficient.
Becoming an Unpaid Family Caregiver may be the Best, the most Cost Efficient or the Only option available to provide In-Home Care.
I personally refer to this Level of Care as IN-HOME ASSISTED LIVING. With all of the assistance provided by Me—the Caregiver.
THE FIRST TWO LEVELS OF CARE ARE TYPICALLY PROVIDED BY FAMILY and or FRIENDS AT HOME.
RESPITE CARE
This Care occurs when the Caregiver actually has the option of taking time off—to oneself while the person being cared for is “housed” in a facility. Many Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, or Memory Care Units offer the option of short-term residency while the Caregiver gets a much-needed break.
This type of care is indeed possible but not probable. Despite what any television commercial advertises, most facilities have limited (if any) rooms available for this service. It would also be less expensive to house your loved one in a 5-Star Hotel complete with Housekeeping and Room Service than a two week “Respite Care” stay. For this Caregiver, it is an unattainable dream.
THE NEXT THREE LEVELS OF CARE ARE BEST PROVIDED BY FACILITIES SPECIALIZING IN SUCH CARE.
Please note that the statement specifically says, “Best provided by facilities specializing in such care.” “Best Provided by” and “Actually Provided By” are not the same thing. A huge percentage of Caregivers, provide the next Levels of Care at home–personally.
ASSISTED LIVING
- A spacious living space complete with everything a Resident may need excluding a Stove. Or “use of the stove” if at home.
- A Dining Experience that can only be described in such a manner
- Cleaning, Shopping, Financial Management, Health Care Advocate
- Activities and Entertainment
All of the Services currently provided by ME. Which is why I refer to my Caregiving situation as “At-Home Assisted Living”
MEMORY CARE
- Experienced, Knowledgeable Empathetic Care specifically designed for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Patients.
Many Caregivers are challenged with the need to continue to provide At-Home Assisted Living while dealing with a loved one suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Imagine the increased level of Stress, Guilt, Frustration, Anger, Confusion and Helplessness a Caregiver feels while caring for a loved one who doesn’t always know who they are.
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY:
- Medical Care as Needed
The reality is that ALL “Levels of Care” are often provided at home by the Family Caregiver.
And many Caregivers are challenged with providing care for loved ones who would benefit from Memory Care served by medically trained professionals. There are also many cases when the Caregiver is providing the same Level of Care that is given by Skilled Nursing Facilities. And they are providing such care with limited help, adequate training or sufficient resources.
There are a variety of reasons why decisions are made to provide ALL Levels of Care In- Home through the services of a Family Caregiver. And sometimes–a lot of times, there really is no choice–the decision becomes simple. Which Family member steps up to become the Family Caregiver?
Levels of Care is a term that I had not used previous to becoming a Caregiver. And it is a term with which I imagine I will continue to have an up-close and personal relationship.
There are continuing Levels of Care in Caregiving.
As one encounters each Level of Care, decisions will have to be made.
When making what appears to be a mind blowing (life changing) decision, remember, “if you think too long, you think wrong, so don’t think too long…”
HEATWAVE ‘ “MIND BLOWING DECISIONS”
https://youtu.be/L-zcCDOaZoo?si=3G6j1VLYMEwtpHDZ
“A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE” – BLOG
THE CAREGIVING CHOICE – A Caregiver’s Conscience
LEVELS OF CARE – A Caregiver’s Conscience
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a calm and peaceful day.
Enjoyed the article. I always look forward to seeing what you have to about this caregiving journey.
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours! Thank U for reading–it makes me feel good about sharing.