How Do I Choose the Right Type of Care for a Family Member?

Everyone faces a uniquely personal journey when it comes to aging. As a relative or family caregiver considering additional care options, it can be challenging to gauge how much assistance your family member needs or what type of care would be the most beneficial.  

As a senior care community in Auburn, Indiana, Astral at Auburn wants individuals to live a life of purpose while receiving the care and support they need to thrive. We pride ourselves on working closely with families and care providers to create a personalized care plan that matches each individual’s needs.

Considering Senior Care in Auburn

When creating the best senior living experience for your loved one, you’ll want to consider these two components.

Current Lifestyle

What are aspects of your loved one’s current lifestyle they want to maintain? For example, having a private apartment or living space or being close to family and friends. On the other hand, what aspects of their current lifestyle need improvement? For example, needing support and assistance or wanting more opportunities to connect with others.

Senior living communities are designed to encourage vibrant lifestyles. With spacious apartments, a full social calendar and tons of amenities, Astral at Auburn offers residents a wide variety of activities and personalized programs to enrich their lives every day. Our life enrichment program, Encompass, was created to help residents focus on the five areas of self and well-being – health, endurance, knowledge, wisdom and happiness.

Health Conditions

Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily tasks, like chores or medication management, or a specialized program for Alzheimer’s or related dementias, senior living communities offer varying levels of care to meet the varying needs of older adults. Understanding your loved one’s current health, and considering any future health changes, can help you choose the best type of care.

Levels of Senior Living

Independent Living

According to an AARP survey, about 75% of older adults in America said they would prefer to age in places. While this seems like an ideal setting, aging in place can be challenging – and even dangerous – for some older adults. 

Home maintenance, like chores, upkeep, and yard work, can be strenuous and put an older adult at risk of falling or other injuries. Aging in place also comes with a chance of isolation, especially if your family member lives alone or far away from relatives or friends. And while staying at home might seem like the most cost-effective way to age, consider the amount of maintenance repairs and possible emergency medical care that might come along in the future. With independent living, all of these worries are taken care of.
Independent living is a great way to enjoy retirement peacefully while staying socially active and enjoying everything that makes life fun, without having to deal with the burdens of mundane chores and tasks! This option is perfect for active retirees who can live independently but want to enjoy the amenities and social benefits of a close-knit community without the bothers of home upkeep.

Assisted Living

Assisted Living is similar to independent living, but is designed for older adults who need a helping hand when completing the tasks of their daily routine. For instance, Astral at Auburn’s team members are available 24/7 to help residents with things like dressing, bathing, medication management and even household chores like laundry and cleaning. 
With scheduled local transportation to the vibrant area of Auburn, Indiana, an on-site movie theater, planned social events and wellness programs, assisted living residents at Astral at Auburn can enjoy independence while receiving the support they need to continue their fulfilling lifestyle.

Memory Care

If your loved one is living with dementia or memory impairment, memory care offers the specialized support they need. Navigate Memory Care at Astral at Auburn helps residents experience purposeful and engaging activities to inspire personal connection and peace of mind.

Our highly trained care providers and team members create a welcoming environment where residents can re-discover their life passions and experience a higher sense of self-purpose.

Talk to Your Loved One

Talk to your family member about their feelings and goals for the future to develop an understanding so that everyone is on the same page during the decision-making process. The conversation should focus on your relative’s needs, their feelings about this transition, and any fears or doubts they might have about moving to senior living. Leaving their home can be a challenging decision to make, and it’s important to stay connected, so they know you are there to offer your support and compassion at every step. 

We’ve created a free, downloadable workbook to help you and your family make a decision. From deciding on the right kind of care to preparing financially for your loved one’s move, our guide is here to help you organize your thoughts and learn more about the possibilities that come with senior care in Auburn. 

Astral at Auburn invites you to discover purposeful senior living with us. Visit our website for more information.