Arriving at
the decision to make use of alternative care options for a loved one, is not an
easy thing. Reaching the decision involves emotional and physical strain
and takes its toll on the family and the patient.
Knowing
what your options are when you reach this step can be of great help.
Here is a
list of the options available to you in South Africa and a short description of
each:
Living with family.
For some,
permanently moving in with family is an option. In these cases, the
family take over the responsibility of looking after an elderly family member.
These families have the option of home-based care assistance should they need
it.
Retirement Villages.
Retirement
villages are commonly known in South Africa and can be found all over the
country. They consist of smaller type homes in a
secure
complex, owned by the residents. Owners are mostly self-
sufficient
and need little to no assistance. These facilities normally do not offer
medical support. Should the residents require it, help is contracted, and
residents pay for the service as they use it. This is a great option to
consider if your or a loved one is looking for a community of like-minded
citizens to live in, and there are no major medical needs involved.
Nursing homes.
Nursing
homes look after elderly citizens who need some assistance, whether it is of a
personal or a medical nature. These facilities consist of a variety of housing
options ranging from stand-alone apartments to medical suites within the
sickbay. Most nursing homes have their own medical staff providing care
to the residents, and these costs are generally included in the living costs.
There are also specialised facilities available to those who need full-time
care and medical attention.
This is a
great option for families who are not able to manage the care of a loved one
and need professional help in a full-time capacity. It is important to note
that this can be an expensive option. Prices vary greatly from one
facility to another as does the quality of service. Make sure to visit any
facility you are considering, ask the questions you have and get a feeling of
the facility in general.
Home-based care.
This is the
perfect option for those who have a difficult time adjusting to the idea of
moving. Most senior citizens prefer the comfort of their own home, the place
they feel safe. Home-based care is a very wide field of care. It can
accommodate most types of care, from simply providing companionship, helping
with basic household chores, assisting with personal care, to providing
full-time medical assistance.
When
considering home-based care, the family of a patient or the patient themself
contact a provider and set up an assessment. After an in-depth assessment, a
care plan is developed to suit each clients individual needs. A care worker is
determined to suit the needs of each patient while also taking into
consideration the suitability of the care worker and the patient.
Home-based
care is generally billed per hour of service needed, so affordability is easily
taken into account. Full-time, stay-in options are also available with most
companies offering specialized packages to clients making use of this option.
Home-based
care companies are also available to citizens living in Retirement villages or
Nursing homes. Care workers are assigned to the residence of a client
irrespective of where it is.
Make sure
to consider all the options available to you and to weigh up the costs
involved. Senior care can be very expensive, and it is very important to
be informed of all the pros and cons before making a decision.
At Retire
At Home we offer a free assessment to any prospective clients to determine the
level of care they require and develop a personal care plan.