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Caring for Aging Parents

Woman showing affection and caring for an aging parent

Caring for aging parents can be a difficult and often overwhelming task. Understanding the different types of senior living communities available, particularly independent vs. assisted living, is essential. Call 214.225.6197 to speak with someone from Ventana’s knowledgeable and compassionate staff about what we offer our senior living community members, including our independent and assisted living services in Dallas.

What Is Involved in Caring for Aging Parents?

Staying Informed

Being informed is one of the best ways to care for aging parents. Find out what types of services they may need and research their options. Look into any applicable government programs or private organizations that could assist in terms of benefits or financial aid.

Ensuring Care Coordination

Care coordination involves a team of professionals helping families coordinate care for their loved ones. This team can include doctors, nurses, social workers, aides, nutritionists, therapists, and more. They will work together to ensure that all needs are being met and that there are no gaps in care.

Finding Support Groups

Support groups allow caregivers to share experiences, learn from each other’s stories, gain insight on new strategies for dealing with challenges associated with caring for someone else’s health or wellness needs, develop a support system within the group memberships, and so much more.

What Are the Types of Senior Living Communities?

There are several different types of senior living communities available depending on individual needs:

  • Independent living communities – Independent living is a type of senior housing where residents enjoy life without the many burdens associated with caring for their own homes. Residents are provided meals, transportation, activities, and more in a supportive community. These communities are best suited for independent seniors who require minimal assistance. They may enjoy specific amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, social events, and transportation services.
  • Assisted living facilities – Assisted living is a form of senior housing that provides tailored support and care for seniors who want to maintain independence but also need extra help. It is typically offered in an intimate setting with caring staff that can assist with activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation services, and more.
  • Skilled nursing facilities – Skilled nursing facilities offer the highest care level for seniors requiring medical attention. They provide specialized services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and more. These facilities are staffed by physicians, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals who can support complex medical needs.
  • Memory care communities – Memory care communities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for seniors struggling with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia. These communities offer 24-hour monitoring, specialized activities, and therapies tailored to the individual needs of each member, structured daily routines to maintain routine behaviors, staff trained in caring for seniors with memory loss, and more.

There are also continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that combine independent and assisted living.

Independent vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?

Independent living communities provide members with a comfortable place to live where they can maintain independence while receiving help with daily tasks such as paying bills or meal preparation when needed. Assisted living facilities offer similar amenities as independent facilities but also provide additional services such as medication management and assistance with personal hygiene tasks like bathing or dressing.

Selecting the right senior living community depends on your parents’ individual needs and preferences. Consider all the factors—location, amenities offered at each facility, level of independence desired by your parents, proximity to family and friends, and cost—before making a decision.

Let Ventana Help You with Caring for Your Aging Parents in Texas

When caring for aging parents, it is vital to assess their needs first so that you can make an informed decision about which type of community would be most suitable. Are you stuck on independent vs. assisted living? Contact Ventana today at 214.225.6197 to learn more about long-term senior care facilities that offer both.