What’s the Difference Between Long-Term and Short-Term Elder Care?
There are many options when it comes to senior care and support. Knowledge is your best weapon against the fear and hesitation your loved one — and you — may feel.
Long-term and short-term elder care serve different purposes. Which of these types of senior care could be right for your family member depends on several factors.
The Goals of Short-Term Care
Short-term senior care services are designed to help your loved one reach certain milestones. For example, if they have suffered an injury, occupational therapy can help them regain mobility in the affected areas.
Some aging adults need short-term care after surgery or other invasive medical treatments. They receive nursing and specialized medical support for as long as they need it.
Rehabilitation is another common term for short-term care. This term may sound more familiar to you and your loved one. After medical events, rehabilitation aims to restore independence and function to your loved one’s life.
Most short-term facilities end your loved one’s care when they are able to function normally again. At this point, your loved one returns to their home and may follow up with outpatient therapy.
Long-Term Care: Sustained Medical Services
Elderly adults often have long-term medical needs that cannot be “fixed” within a few appointments. This is especially true if your loved one needs memory care or other senior living services.
In long-term care, your loved one receives nursing care indefinitely. This means there is no end date or goal in mind that will terminate your loved one’s care.
Long-term care is perfect for seniors struggling with memory problems, serious medical conditions, and general health decline.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is considered long-term care. When your loved one moves into assisted living, they get to keep their independence while receiving help with daily tasks.
This is a popular option for aging adults who would like additional support with basic tasks, such as cleaning, but do not struggle with advanced memory conditions.
There are still safety measures in place in assisted living facilities. Many common elderly safety hazards are eliminated or addressed in assisted living.
Additionally, assisted living offers long-term support for aging adults to make sure they are healthy, happy, and thriving. Medical services, like nursing care, are usually available to all residents in senior living communities and retirement homes.
Choosing the Right Type of Elderly Care
If your loved one has experienced a consistent decline in physical and/or cognitive abilities, or if they would simply enjoy continued daily assistance within a supportive community, it might be time for long-term elderly care.
On the other hand, short-term injuries, surgeries, and illnesses can be addressed with rehabilitation services. You, your loved one, and their medical providers can discuss the best options for their unique needs.