Conversations around senior care options

May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those living out their golden years and a good opportunity to have conversations around senior living and care options.

Melody Maker from New Perspective Senior Living Community outlined the kinds of care available and the best ways for families to support aging loved ones as they transition into new living situations.

The three main categories of care are:

• Independent: “Which is really somebody that rents an apartment in the community. And the cool thing about that is they’re really in a community of older adults that they could become friends with and have a lot of socialization.”
• Assisted living: “Sometimes you need help with your activities of daily living. And so it’s really if you need help with showers or bathing or med management, that’s where assisted living can come in handy.”
• Memory care: “If you have Alzheimer’s, you should really think about moving to a community that has dementia licensure so that you can be cared for throughout your time.”

She suggests making sure your senior loved ones are included in the decisions around a transition.

“It’s really hard if you’re trying to move mom or dad or grandma or grandpa in without them knowing,” Maker said. “And so if you just say, ‘Surprise! This is your new place!’ it doesn’t go over all that well.”

New Perspective exists in five states, including locations in Cloquet, Barnum, and Superior. Learn more at npseniorliving.com.