Time marches on and so do we. Before we know it, we are older and so are our parents or loved ones. Caring for them and being sure their needs are met become a prime concern especially when they begin to not be able to care for themselves as they used to. This dilemma touches most every family. The thing to avoid is to remain under a veil of ignorance by not understanding your options and waiting until the last minute to make an abrupt and often uniformed decision. Care for the elderly is of utmost importance. This will be addressed in a comparison between adult day care, assisted living, and nursing home care.

Adult day care has the shortest care periods and usually lasts up to 8 hours a day and 5 days a week. People with Alzheimer's, the feeble, the physically handicapped, those infected with HIV/AIDS, people with declining brain function and the hearing and visually impaired are included in this type of care. It serves as respite for busy caregivers and offers social and recreational activities, meals, therapy, health and social services. Usually there is an assessment made of the needs of each person before they enter the program. It is also important to find out how physically able they are because adult day care does provide rehabilitative services and personal care. One of its greatest advantages is that it helps people remain independent and be able to live with loved ones as long as they can plus it gives caregivers the break they often need.

Funding can come through Medicaid if the person qualifies, need-based scholarships, some medical insurance, long-term care insurance or tax credits for dependent care. Medicare doesn't cover adult day care. Usually centers are non-profit (80% of them) and charge anywhere from $25-$75 a day. This will vary according to location. Transportation is also provided. There are full-time nursing services and these places are licensed by the state.

The next step up in care, if the elderly are not living with friends or family, is assisted living. It is for seniors who are somewhat independent and who need more care than a retirement community has available. The focus is on allowing for individual residents' independence, need for privacy, choice, and safety. The services offered are personal (bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, and eating), health care (which also involves management of medications), social and physical activities, 24-hour supervision, education, laundry, linen, housekeeping, unit maintenance, shopping, meal preparation, money management and transportation. A person can occupy a furnished or unfurnished studio or 1-bedroom unit with a bathroom. Some places have a shared bathroom. Also some units may have kitchenettes or even a full kitchen.

A potential resident is assessed according to physical and cognitive abilities, mental awareness, medical history (including medications being taken) and some personal history to find out if assisted living is a good option. Family members are encouraged to continue being a part of the resident's life and are welcome to attend social activities throughout the year and on holidays. Usually assisted living places have a full-time nurse and trained staff. Meals are eaten in a dining room and assistance is given when needed. Activities are planned throughout the day and residents have the choice to attend or not. Church services are held, some being a specific denomination and there is usually a non-denominational gathering. Assisted care is regulated by the state.

Sources of funding can include personal funds, assistance for families, Social Security, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. The cost varies, depending on the size of the unit, the services needed and location. It's between $1,000 and $2,000 per month, the average being $1,873. The nursing home is the most intensive in care (along with adult family care homes).

The residents have definite physical needs. They usually have physical or mental disorders or happen to be too feeble and/or unable to move around, bathe or prepare their own meals. Their ADL's (Activities of Daily living) are minimal and low functioning. As a general rule, there will be no recovery or ability to take care of themselves, so assistance is a necessity for most or all ADL's. There are definite medical needs too.

Nurses and nursing aids are available round the clock. Because of the residents' needs, nursing homes are staffed with that in mind. There is full management of medication and it is administered according to a physician's orders. A person can obtain a private room if he/she is paying with private funds. Normally, there are 2 people to a room. Meals are brought to them or residents are taken to the dining area. Besides full assistance, nursing homes offer rehabilitative services, exercise, social activities, laundry, housekeeping, and prepared meals. Families and friends are encouraged to visit.

The cost depends on where the home is and what the surcharge is that is attached for private payers versus Medicare and Medicaid. Approximately 70% of nursing home costs are paid by the state and federal governments. The government pays part or all of the fees for about 85% of the residents. Another funding option is long-term care insurance. The actual cost is somewhere around $114 a day or more and can go well above $2,000 a month. This varies depending on the location and the services required.

In summary, adult day care involves hours of care, while assisted living and nursing homes offer more care progressively. It helps to research all the residential and financial options. AARP is a valuable source, as well as Medicare. There are a wealth of other websites that will help relatives and friends find the right place for their loved ones and the phone book lists companies and people that have a network to draw from. Quality care of our elderly is essential. Oasis Care Homes, LLC is here to support elderly care with love and compassion in a residential home environment. Knowing what can be done is being done, brings a sense of peace of mind.

Are you preparing for your retirement? Once you have determined that your finances are in good standing, you may be concerned with your living arrangements. Despite the fact that many retirees choose to stay right where they are, many more opt for retirement home communities. If you are interested in doing so, you will want to choose your retirement community wisely.

The first step in choosing a retirement community involves familiarizing yourself with all of your options. Did you know that you have multiple choices? You do. Retirement communities come in a number of different formats.

Independent retirement communities and facilities are the most popular choice among retirees who are in good health. These are establishments where you are essentially on your own. It is like you are just renting an apartment. Often times, the only onsite staff members are office workers, maintenance workers, and security personnel. Many independent retirement communities are designed to provide you with ease of living. This includes making onsite activities, like exercise classes and arts and crafts, available.

Assisted living communities and facilities are ideal for retirees whose health is just starting to worsen. If you need help on occasion, an assisted living retirement community may be perfect for you. The assistance provided does vary, but you can get help with going for a walk outdoors, cooking, preparing for your day, or taking your medication.

Nursing homes and facilities are another retirement option for those poor in health. Nursing homes are essentially hospitals with a more laidback environment. They are designed for individuals who cannot care for themselves. If you are researching nursing homes, you are likely a family member of the retiree, not him or her. When residing in a nursing home, patients are provided with around-the-clock care. This is a nice alternative to living with family or constant home nurse care.

Continuing care retirement facilities, like a residential care home, and other communities are another option that you have. This option is one that is increasing in popularity. Continuing care retirement facilities and communities essentially provide residents with independent living, assisted living, and around-the-clock care, depending on the resident's needs. These facilities are great for retirees who are concerned with their health and finances. Yes, your health may be good now, but there are no guarantees with the future. Relocating and putting stress on your family isn't advised. That is why continuing care facilities are often recommended.

Looking after boomers is not just a heavy responsibility but is also a full time job. With every individual’s daily routine cramped up, taking care of them can be difficult. However, despite all of this, many boomers want to age at home, preferring the environment of their home to any other. Their desire is understandable; of course, it is extremely difficult to leave home behind and go live somewhere else, but the main issue comes down to the caregivers (i.e. the family of the boomer), and how this task can weigh down on them and affect their daily lives.

One would be likely to suggest the help of assistant nurses or in-home nurses – they can tend to the boomer and the rest of the family can go about their daily lives. However, this is not a foolproof solution, either. Many families find it is disturbing to have the presence of an in-home nurse around all the time. They like their privacy and get uncomfortable with someone else always around.

The problem remains that boomers want to age at home and all the options have some sort of issue. Nevertheless, there is a good solution for this: residential care home. Residential care homes can provide the “homely” environment that boomer needs and this can go well for the family, too. Residential care homes also reduce all the other problems that arise with boomers aging at home, such as not getting enough independence. They have to rely on the other family members to take time out for them so they can go out. Many boomers already feel guilty about being a burden on the family, too, so they do not even bother voicing their wish to go out. At residential care homes, they are free to go out, as they will. Be it to take a walk or go to a zoo, it is all possible and they do not have to ask for their independence. Another advantage to residential care homes is the professional help boomers get. All their needs are tended to and a professional is caring for them so their health is always kept in check. The nursing assistants in residential care homes are trained as well as friendly, so that further makes the residential care home feel more like a home. Boomers get food, attention, care, independence, and a great environment. It is most definitely the best solution there is.

Boomers also get to be social at residential care homes; they can invite guests, go out, sit outside, keep pets, or attend events. This is definitely an advantage because at their own home, under the care of busy family members, they cannot always be social, because the family is already too busy. Nurses at residential care homes have the duty to attend to the boomer, so it is their job to keep all the needs of a boomer satisfied – hence, there is no better solution to long-term care other than residential care homes. They can fulfill their wish to age at home, a residential care home, which is their home away from home.

Whether you select care homes, in-home care services, institutional care, or any other option for your senior care needs, every option requires a set of skilled staff and expert nurses. All the seniors are dependent on their care, hence the professionalism and expertness of nurses and caregivers is compulsory. When seniors come to us for our Oasis Care Home services, we strive to offer them not just a great service to receive and an impressive residential area to live in, but also expert, skilled caregivers so that all our customers’ needs are looked after. We understand that our seniors are paying not just to live in a comfortable care home but are mainly paying so that they have comfort and attention given to them. We are proud to say that Oasis Care Homes’  care staff are certified, experienced, friendly, and skilled in their work.

Care Staff Job Duties

Where senior health care in concerned, the care staff - also called caregivers - have a vital role. They are the employees who take care of the senior patients’ needs all the while maintaining a friendly relationship with them. All the care staff at Oasis Care Homes are highly valued for their incredible service and talent. A nursing assistant has many job duties to fulfill. Some of the job duties are:

Basic Care: Caregivers take care of all the basic needs of residents with not just skill but also empathy and cheerfulness. They are like a guardian to any personal patient they may be assigned to – feeding them, helping them move around, helping with Medication management in a timely manner, etc. Our care staff at Oasis Care Homes live with the residents in the care home and not just feed but also cook the meals for their residents. Even though the care homes are equipped with handicap friendly resources, the nurses still keep a constant eye on their patient to make sure they are safe. Senior patients’ health often gets worse if they experience bad falls that their body cannot afford to take – our nurses, however, are always by the patient’s side, helping them.

Maintaining a Friendly Attitude: When residents are taken care of day and night, they start feeling better and healthier, because they are free from any exertions and stress. The care staff at Oasis Care Homes do not just professionally help the patient with their work but also maintain a friendly relationship with the patient – they do not just help residents with their needs but also take part in other activities with the patient such as going out for walks, or helping them with exercise. We expect our care staff to protect their residents as a guardian and take care of them like a parent.

Professional Care: All our Caregivers are highly qualified and know their job well so all the food that they provide to the patient is nutritionally balanced that helps them become better... balanced, and thoughtfully presented - important at  a time of life when many Seniors struggle with their appetite and attention to their nutritional needs. People often choose Oasis Care Homes for this reason – they feel that our care staff can take care of their seniors better than they themselves can.

Oasis Care Homes are located in pleasant and respectable areas so the patient can feel right at home. These homes encourage a patient’s rights, honor, freedom, and individuality. Many seniors feel better after living in Oasis Care Homes and being under the care of our care staff because they become independent and do not have to rely on busy family members to take care of them.

Why our Care Staff are Valued

We have a line of caregivers who have received exceptional praises and commendations for their work and capabilities. Our residents are always satisfied with any caregiver they are assigned to and the care staff always bring up reports of improvements in the residents. We are extremely proud of our talented caregivers and appreciate their outstanding work.

Individualized Attention to seniors: Each one of our residents is special to us and even more so to our nurses because they are the ones who take care and live with the residents. We believe that every senior is a dignified individual with a right to attention and care. This is why we emphasize on our care staff to provide individualized attention to the residents and promote their health and well-being in all aspects – physical, psychological, and social.

Knowledgeable and Capable Attention: Taking care of the residents with their hearts and compassion is necessary but we hire those caregivers who are also expert and professional. The caregivers at Oasis Care Homes know all the various types of care plans and work accordingly with their residents’ needs. They keep track of their assigned senior’s progress – notice their nutritional changes, look after their hydration necessities, and if they observe any areas of concern, they report to family and relevant Doctors of the Senior so that solutions and remedies are provided or applied to resolve or work around issues being presented, to maintain the best quality if life possible for each individual being cared for.

Attend to Daily Requirements: Seniors live in care homes so that their basic needs are taken care of. Accordingly, our caregivers’ job duties require them to take care of their assigned senior with full responsibility. The nurses take care of all daily requirements of the senior: bathing, dressing, exercising, feeding, toileting, getting them in contact with others if they wish to be social, taking care of their personal hygiene, incontinent care, infection control, trips to the doctor, and other such tasks. are on duty 24/7, pacing themselves without slacking in their work at all, striving to keep a congenial living environment for each Senior and group of Seniors collectively.

You can rest assured that all the Care Staff and Nurses at Oasis Care Homes have many years of experience, skilled and trained for the work that they do with Seniors - tailoring Care as indicated for individual residents. We do not compromise on the safety and well-being of our residents – they are highly valued by their loved ones and deserve care and attention of equally high value from us.

Contact us to learn more about our residential care services for seniors. We are here to help bring happiness to your family and the ones you love. www.oasisseniorcarehomes.com

Former Pastor, School Board Member and loving Father who lost his wife this year found a care home close to Coppell thanks to his daughter, Mary Ann and son-in-law, Rodney. They opened Oasis Wallbrook Care Home, one of many planned in the area, to move Rev. McBride into.

Mary Ann recalls, "I lost my mom; My father lost the love of his life and wife for 60 years. Dad lived with us for 4 months with the care of a nurse. He has memory issues and although we loved having him with us, it was taxing on us and our family. We moved him to our first Oasis Care Home in Lewisville, which is very close to Coppell, and he's never been more happy. He has is own room and bathroom, get's 3 home cooked meals and snacks every day with the help of a wonderful Care Nurse who lives with him. He loves to sit out back and listen to classical music. They even had a friends and family gathering with singing at the house. Being a retired minister, we all sang hymns and had a great time. We searched for many months the best place to move him to, and opening the Oasis Wallbrook Care Home was the best decision we made." 

Mary Ann and Rodney now have their lives back after nearly 2 years battling the difficulty of moving her parents to an assisted living home, hospitals and rehab centers for her mom, and then taking care of her father after the passing of her Mom. Rev. McBride loves people and loves his new home. He welcomes others to experience the love and care that he's receiving at an Oasis Care Home. Visit this care home website to learn more or to schedule a visit. They have monthly gatherings with friends from his old church, First Assembly of God Coppell, and enjoy music, food and fellowship.

As Rodney says, "I worked hard on getting the first home remodeled and handicap accessable because I care so much for the McBrides for allowing me to be a part of their family. It's such a joy to see how happy Rev. McBride is and it is comforting to know that we are doing everything we can to make the rest of his life enjoyable. I only wish more people could be this blessed as we want to surround him with others his age in a wonderful home that I hope someday I can enjoy when that time comes for us."