As we grow older, many senior adults also become less independent. The time may come when the senior is not safe living in their home alone, possibly due to the risk of falls, forgetting to take medications, or the inability to maintain proper nutrition.
There are many options in New Mexico for senior housing. And the terms can be confusing when you’re first exploring assisted living or at-home care versus nursing homes or other care options. Let’s look at each type:
At-home Care
Everyone wants to live in their own familiar home for as long as possible. At-home care, also often referred to as senior home care, means the elderly person is still living in his or her own home or apartment, but has some care provided by a home care company’s caregiver. That may be just a few hours a week or it could be 24/7 care. The care provided could include help with showering or toileting, when needed. Or simple housekeeping and meal preparation. Sometimes, at-home care is also focused on companionship instead of tasks that are to be completed.
Retirement Communities
The Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas include a number of group living facilities known as retirement communities. These housing complexes offer active seniors communal living for those able to care for themselves. Transportation and entertainment are typically provided, as well as housekeeping, laundry and utilities. Meals may or may not be included, or they may be restaurant-style dining at an added cost.
Some retirement communities allow an at-home caregiver to come to the residence to help an individual who contracts with them for personal assistance.
Assisted Living Homes
Another option in senior care is living in an assisted living home. These may be small group homes like BeeHive Homes or may be large complexes housing hundreds of residents. In an assisted living center, a higher level of care is provided, helping seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living such as dressing, toileting, showering, and mobility. Medication management is offered along with all meals, housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments, and social activities. Some assisted living homes offer outdoor space, usually secured to prevent wandering, or an area where residents can enjoy gardening.
Memory care facilities are also an assisted living home, offering additional services for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The BeeHive Homes staff is trained in memory care as well. Some assisted living homes offer adult day care or respite care.
Long-term Care
Often called a nursing home, these facilities provide skilled care to its residents. Seniors in a nursing home usually require ongoing care for chronic health conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other issues. Residents who need skilled care are typically not able to care for themselves independently.
We have Options!
Depending on our loved one's needs and preferences, the options for senior care in our beautiful state of New Mexico are plentiful. BeeHive Homes offers assisted living in small-group homes, usually just 12-16 residents. That allows a much more intimate environment than a large facility. Our team of caregivers know each home’s residents so there is not a churn of unfamiliar faces. Our sister company, FootPrints Home Care, offers at-home senior care across the Albuquerque and Santa Fe region as well. If we can help care for you or a loved one, or if we can provide resources or answers to your questions about options in senior housing, please give us a call.
