When our loved ones age, the thought of them needing help can quickly become a thought in the back of your mind. It might linger there in the back for a while until it reaches the forefront and becomes an urgent decision to be made instead of one that can be left on the back burner. When a loved one reaches an age and stage where they begin to need help, many families focus on finding a community for them. This isn’t a bad decision, but rather a thoughtful one of wanting them to be surrounded by people so they don’t feel lonely; however, it may not always be the best decision for them and their needs. First, determining their abilities and needs can help to figure out what level of care would work best for them.

At Oasis Senior Advisors Austin and Central Texas, families frequently call after realizing they are overwhelmed by the number of options available. Independent living, assisted living, memory care, residential care homes, skilled nursing, in-home care, etc. Each level of care serves different needs and different purposes, and selecting the wrong level of care can create unnecessary stress, expenses, and even safety concerns. It might not always be easy to determine which type and level of senior care is right for your loved one, but the good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone!

The Story of A Family in Georgetown: When Initial Plans Don’t Work Out

One family living in Central Texas just recently experienced this firsthand. A son from Georgetown reached out to us to discuss his mother, who was recently widowed and living alone for the first time in over 50 years. That was a huge and challenging transition to make. The woman’s adult children were concerned after she experienced several minor falls and was having trouble managing her medications.

Their mother was still driving occasionally, enjoyed social activities, and insisted she was capable of living independently, despite being lonely. Because she was so adamant about maintaining her independence but also showed signs of loneliness and depression following her husband’s passing, the family assumed an independent living community would be the best fit. She would have the best of both worlds: a sense of independence with community when she wanted it! They toured several beautiful communities that offered restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities. They felt like little towns for seniors, and the family felt relieved; it seemed like the perfect solution.

But when getting closer to making a final decision, her children further evaluated her situation, her health, and how she fared alone. While their mother appeared independent during short visits, they learned that she had forgotten to pay several bills, had missed multiple doses of her medications, and was having trouble using the restroom and bathing after her most recent fall. These few things quickly put a halt to the independent living search and brought them to Oasis Senior Advisors.

They felt way in over their heads and unprepared to make the decision that would be right for her. There was now so much fear about making the wrong choice and worrying about their mother’s safety. The family worried these issues might become larger problems once she moved. That's when they did research for information and insights into senior care options. They were first brought to Senior Industry Services (SIS), where they found valuable resources and a comprehensive collection of tools, educational material, and support tailored for families of seniors in Central Texas. Once they had some more background information, they reached out to Oasis Senior Advisors to take the next practical step. Oasis, as an organization, works to provide guidance for families seeking senior living options in Central Texas.

Looking Beyond the Surface

One of the biggest mistakes families make is evaluating a loved one's abilities based on what they see during brief visits; that’s what happened to this family from Georgetown. They quickly realized why it’s not safe to make a decision based on that alone.

An experienced Oasis Senior Advisor took time to better understand the complete picture:

• Recent health changes
• Medication management needs
• Fall history
• Daily living abilities
• Cognitive concerns
• Family support availability
• Financial considerations
• Future care needs

Through this assessment, it became clear that while independent living offered many attractive amenities, it would not provide the level of support this senior needed. Sure, their mother might’ve wanted to live independently, but it wouldn’t have been the best or safest decision for her. It’s hard to juggle wanting to make your loved one happy, but also wanting them to be safe and healthy.

As independent living communities are designed primarily for active seniors who can safely manage their daily activities without personal care assistance, this option was ruled out before the family even spoke with an Oasis Senior Advisor. Sometimes seniors need more than socialization and community, and Oasis can help you determine what level of care will be the best fit for you or your loved one.

The Better Fit: Assisted Living

After reviewing care needs, Oasis recommended exploring assisted living communities for this family in Georgetown. Initially, they were hesitant as it felt like a complete 180 from what they were initially searching into. They were worried it would be too medical and restrictive for their mother’s personality and social needs. 

After touring several communities that matched their mother's lifestyle and personality, they realized assisted living looked very different from what they initially expected. Residents could still enjoy private apartments, activities, dining, and social opportunities. The difference was that caregivers were available to provide assistance when needed. It was that single addition that added so much relief and peace of mind to the search for this family. They weren’t anxiously waiting for another fall or medical emergency but rather were relieved that their mother was in safe and capable hands while still enjoying the opportunity to socialize and maintain as much of her independence as possible. 

Why the Right Care Level Matters

Choosing the right level of care is so important, and one factor that is often overlooked is what your senior loved one might need in the future, not just right now. That’s why a lot of senior care facilities have transitional opportunities for seniors to live independently and then eventually transition to assisted living within the same facility.

The National Institute on Aging suggests considering the senior’s needs and wants, as well as what services are needed now and might be necessary in the future. For example, an older adult may need assistance with everyday activities, physical therapy, nursing care, hospice care, or a special unit for people with memory problems or dementia. The National Institute on Aging also mentions considering the features that are important to the person. For example, they may care about meals, social and recreational activities, a religious connection, or staying close to family and friends so they can easily visit. All of these are factors to consider when looking into senior care facilities. 

The National Institute on Aging also lists out some questions to ask during visits to senior care facilities to help make the decision easier:

• How many care providers are there per resident? What kind of training do they have? How many of them are trained to provide medical care if needed?
• How long have the director and heads of nursing, food, and social services departments worked at the facility? How often do key staff members turn over?
• Is there a doctor who checks on residents on a regular basis? How often?
• What activities are planned for residents during the week and on weekends? Can you attend activities yourself to see what they’re like?
• Is there a safe place for residents to go outside?
• How do residents get to medical appointments?
• If you need it, does the facility have a special unit for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? If so, what kinds of services does it provide?
• Is there information on state regulations for how care is provided? For example, what happens when there is an infectious disease outbreak requiring quarantine?

According to a step-by-step guide from Comfort Keepers, a service provider of in-home care for seniors in Maine, to choosing the right care, some other things to consider when choosing the right level and type of care include the following:

• Quality and Accreditation: staff training and credentials
• Cost and Funding: budget considerations, insurance coverage, and financial assistance
• Location and Accessibility: proximity to family and friends and transportation options
• Safety and Environment: security measures, emergency protocols, and resident-to-caregiver ratio

“Choosing the right senior care option is undoubtedly challenging, but a well-structured checklist makes the process manageable and comprehensive. By methodically evaluating care types, costs, safety measures, and other key factors, you ensure nothing important is overlooked.” — Comfort Keepers

Choosing the right level of senior care depends on a variety of factors, including the individual’s health, level of independence, and personal preferences. Here’s a simple guide from Benedictine, a Catholic, nonprofit organization operating a network of senior living and care communities across the United States, to highlight the main differences and help you decide:

• Independent Living: For healthy seniors who can manage daily activities independently.
• Rehab: For people who need assistance with recovery from a physical, mental, or emotional challenge.
• Assisted Living: For seniors who need help with daily tasks but still desire a level of independence.
• Memory Care: For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia who require specialized care.
• Nursing Home Care: For seniors with significant medical needs requiring 24/7 care.
• Hospice Care: For seniors with terminal illnesses needing comfort and end-of-life care.
• Short-Term Care: For caregivers in need of temporary relief or for people recovering post-rehab.

Choosing too little care can create serious challenges, such as:

• Increased fall risk
• Medication errors
• Emergency hospital visits
• Family caregiver burnout
• Unexpected moves shortly after placement

Meanwhile, choosing too much care can be equally problematic, resulting in:

• Higher costs
• Reduced independence
• Unnecessary services
• Lower quality of life

The goal is finding the goldilocks level of support that is “just right” and meets current needs while allowing room for future changes.

How Oasis Senior Advisors Helps Families Avoid Costly Mistakes

Many families assume senior living decisions start with selecting a community. In reality, they start with understanding care needs. Oasis Senior Advisors helps families in the Austin and Central Texas areas connect with senior living communities and services that are tailored to address their loved one's needs. They have local experts who work individually with families to find out the specific care requirements, lifestyle desires, and financial considerations and develop tailored solutions. 

Oasis is a vital resource for families for the following reasons:

• Individualized Guidance and Care: Every senior and family is unique. Oasis staff hears concerns, understands individualized needs, and helps find senior living that best suits the wishes and needs of their clients.
• Local Knowledge: Having a thorough knowledge of the Austin and Central Texas area, Oasis Senior Advisors possesses a vast network of reputable senior care facilities, services, and resources. This allows them to offer options that might otherwise go unnoticed by families.
• Free Services: Oasis offers a free, no-obligation consultation. This is in order to facilitate families in assessing their choices and gaining professional insight at no cost, which provides the convenience to start the hunt for the proper care solution.
• Expert Advice and Advocacy: Oasis's consultants are experts with decades of experience in the senior care industry. They provide sensitive, honest advice and fight for the best possible care on behalf of their clients, ensuring families are well-informed to make choices with confidence.

The Outcome

The Georgetown family ultimately chose an assisted living community that provided both the independence she wanted and the support she needed. Several months later, their mother was thriving. She had built friendships, participated in activities, received help with medications, and experienced no additional falls. Most importantly, her family gained peace of mind knowing she was safe without sacrificing her quality of life.

The right senior living solution isn't always the one that looks best during a tour or seems most affordable at first glance. It's the one that aligns with a loved one's actual care needs today while preparing for tomorrow!

If your family is trying to determine what type and level of care is appropriate for your senior loved one, Oasis Senior Advisors of Austin and Central Texas is here to help simplify the process with free, local guidance tailored to your situation! Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, additional information, or to schedule a free consultation. Visit Oasis Senior Advisors - Austin & Central Texas to learn more!

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling

References:

Kasper JD, Wolff JL, Skehan M. Care Arrangements of Older Adults: What They Prefer, What They Have, and Implications for Quality of Life. Gerontologist. 2019 Sep 17;59(5):845-855. doi: 10.1093/geront/gny127. PMID: 30476072; PMCID: PMC6857686.

How to choose a nursing home or other long-term care facility | National Institute on Aging. (n.d.-a). https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/how-choose-nursing-home-or-other-long-term-care-facility 

How to evaluate the right level of care in senior living. (n.d.-b). https://www.hbrhc.com/blog/evaluate-the-right-level-of-care-in-senior-living 

Senior care checklist: A step-by-step guide to choosing the Right Care Option. (n.d.-c). https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/maine/scarborough/resources/resources/senior-care-checklist/ 

Understanding senior care levels: Which one is right for you? (n.d.-d). https://www.benedictineliving.org/resources/news/understanding-senior-care-levels-which-one-is-right-for-you/