In most cases, as parents age, their need for help is gradual. However, unforeseen outcomes from a fall or stroke, for instance, might require physical or occupational therapy, or even ‘round-the-clock assistance. When a shift in care is needed, whether it’s planning for long-term or immediate care, there are many places you can look to find help. Read on to learn about a few organizations that will be useful on your mission to find proper care for an aging adult.
AARP
AARP’s online Caregiving Resource Center is a great starting point. It features articles and videos that offer the most current information on caregiving and caregiver support. An easy-to-use assessment tool will help you calculate senior care costs based on different care options, such as independent living, assisted living and memory care communities, as well as home health providers and continuing care communities, like Towne Club Windermere.
The AARP Caregivers Online Community page includes trending topics pertinent to seniors and their caregivers, and provides a way for those taking care of an aging adult to connect, share experiences and discuss needs.
LeadingAge
LeadingAge is an “association of 6,000 non-profit organizations dedicated to making America a better place to grow old”. The Consumer Hub tab on its website provides information and support to help people get the most out of the aging experience.
Daily postings will keep you informed on the news of the day as it relates to elder care – whether it’s grassroots advocacy for aging adults or the latest in residential and community care, it provides a real-time snapshot of what’s trending in this arena.
The For Consumers tab in the menu bar lets you browse the Aging Services Directory, view a Planning and Paying page loaded with content related to planning and paying for aging services, and a Caregiving Resource page that includes videos, guides, websites and more, specifically developed for caregivers.
Retirement Options
For those just scratching the surface of retirement community systems research, sifting through senior living options and understanding terminology can be overwhelming. A short list of senior living options includes:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Nursing Homes
- Alzheimer’s and Memory Care
- Residential Care Homes
- Respite Care
- Home Care
A dependable guide that explains each of these options, along with a cost comparison chart, is HelpGuide.org. This site offers many links to other useful resources, including a Key to Choice evaluation guide that can help you assess your loved one’s lifestyle needs and evaluate the many housing and service options that are available.
Towne Club Windermere Website
The website for Towne Club Windermere features a Family Resource Page that has proven valuable in answering caregiver questions, including everything from knowing when it’s time for a loved one to move into an assisted living community, to what type of help or living environment to seek out if your parent or aging loved one has progressive dementia. Our site offers a glossary of terms to help you understand different plans, services, and senior living options, as well as a collection of other helpful resources on aging.
If your question isn’t answered on the Towne Club Windermere’s FAQ page, please contact us so that we may better serve you.
