Terminology in the world of senior care can be one of the most confusing aspects of planning for the care of our loved ones. What does it mean to need “assistance?” The need for assistance varies from person to person. It would be impossible to cover every scenario or circumstance, so I will stick to the basics. If a person needs help with their activities of daily living (ADLs), which include dressing, bathing, toileting, walking, feeding, medication management, or has memory issues that make it difficult for them to safely be alone or manage their own care, they should consider getting assistance to remain safe and preserve their health.
It is important to remember that we are not talking about medical care, but the care of the person’s daily needs. This need for assistance can, of course, be caused by a medical condition that limits a senior’s ability to perform their own ADLs, such as a stroke or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but the care they are receiving is not medical in nature. It is care that helps with their ADLs, either at home or in an assisted living community.
To further muddy the waters, a person can need assistance with their ADLs in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility. However, this is only in conjunction with the medical care they are receiving at that location. Typically, this is short-term, with an end date in mind once the medical issue has been resolved or stabilized enough for the person to be discharged. Discharge can be back to their home with assistance brought in or provided by family members, or, in many cases, to an assisted living community or memory care setting.
