Chicago Senior Care

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Senior care or simply eldercare is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. Whether you live in Chicago or elsewhere, this broad term encompasses such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and In-Home care. Traditionally in the Chicago area, senior care has been the responsibility of family members and was provided within the extended family home. Increasingly in modern societies, elder care is now being provided by state or charitable institutions. The reasons for this change include decreasing family size, the greater life expectancy of elderly people, the geographical dispersion of families, and the tendency for women to be educated and work outside the home. When you're new to the world of senior care, there are a few considerations to be aware of:

1. Your loved one can be in a safe, healthy and happy place.

2. There are many options for you to consider.

3. Resources are available to help you make an educated decision on what'ss best for your loved one.

4. Choose a reputable company with experience ...
... in helping to locate the perfect place that offers a variety of needs; such as, Assisted as well as Independent Senior Living; Retirement Communities; Personal Care; Alzheimer's Disease Care; Skilled Care and Care for Dementia.

5. There are 3 types of Chicago senior care communities:

- ACTIVE communities - Residential units. No long-term healthcare properties, also known as independent living communities

- ACTIVE/SUPPORTIVE communities are a combination of residential and healthcare properties, sometimes known as continuing care retirement communities.

- SUPPORTIVE communities are long-term healthcare units, like assisted living properties or nursing homes.

Senior care is never easy, better think again if you consider it is easy. You can ask the volunteers at senior care homes who find how taxing and serious the job is. A great deal of concern is for their health. All of us know that elderly people are more inclined to health problems because of their age and their weakening systems. In fact most of them have health problems that are being closely watched by their physicians. That is why caring for elderly people whether in Chicago or other locations across the US, is very much similar as caring for young children because the same amount of attention, caring and caution is needed.

Senior care is hard work. If you are thinking that your job is just sitting watching over your elderly while they sleep the whole day, you are wrong. These people need little sleep. This is more so with those who are sent to senior care homes who will enjoy the chance given to them to socialize and to do some fun activities that they surely like to participate. Your job is like a supervisor except that you are asked to watch over the elderly people 24/7. Your tasks include taking care of their meals, their medicines and their clothing. What happened to those who are too weak to move? You will have to also clothe them, bathe them and even help them with their bowel movements. So hopefully it is clearer what senior care is to you.

Senior care is multi-tasking. Don't expect to have just one charge to take care of. Most senior care homes will assign two to five patients per caregiver unless of course you were hired specifically for one patient or the facility that you worked in caters to the rich and the famous. In addition to watching over your charges, you will also be tasked to schedule their medicines and to take care of their food intake and diet.

Senior care is stressful. When you are taking care of elderly people, you are basically in charge of their health. This is especially with those who have illnesses and health conditions. You are required to know everything about their health problems and also what their medications are. You will also go a long way in senior care if you know a little first aid.