Exploring senior care options for your aging loved one can be a significant and sometimes overwhelming task. While Atlanta is lucky to have dozens of senior care options, it can be challenging to choose the service type and provider that best meets your needs and financial comfort.

As a trusted aging services resource in the Atlanta community for more than 70 years, Jewish HomeLife understands the emotions and considerations that influence this important decision. Every day, our team meets with individuals of all faiths, backgrounds, and health circumstances to answer questions, offer reassurance, and guide families to the most appropriate care setting.

Key takeaways:

• Atlanta offers a variety of diverse and comprehensive senior care options.
• Senior care is expensive. Planning now is the best way to prepare. 
• You don’t have to do this alone! Family, friends, and senior care professionals can make the process more manageable.

What types of senior care are available in Atlanta?

Navigating senior care options begins with understanding the diverse array of services available. Independent living, assisted living, memory care, home care, and hospice services represent different levels of care and payment options. A continuum of care provider like Jewish HomeLife, which offers a variety of services under a single umbrella, will partner with you as your loved one’s needs change to ensure they can age in place safely.

How can I be sure my loved one receives the care they need?

The care option you select for your loved one should emerge from a personalized approach that considers your loved one’s health, lifestyle, and personal choices. A reputable senior care partner will evaluate your loved one’s social, mental, and physical needs to identify the most suitable fit. We encourage you to engage in open conversations with your loved one to understand their preferences and involve them in the decision-making process when possible. 

Is home care the right choice? 

Home care can be an excellent option for those wanting to “age in place” or receive care in the comfort of their own home. When evaluating this option, you’ll need to understand the services your loved one needs and whether or not a provider can deliver them at home. Do you need daytime-only assistance with daily activities or 24/7 specialized medical care? Determining the services your loved one needs will help you identify the proper care solutions.

How do I know when it’s time for hospice care?

Hospice services offer a holistic approach to optimizing your loved one’s quality of life during their final days, with a focus on pain management, emotional support, and maintaining dignity. A compassionate healthcare partner will engage you and your loved one in open and honest conversations to understand end-of-life wishes and ensure comfort and peace.

How can I afford senior care for my loved one? 

Many families are concerned about cost when navigating senior care options. In Georgia, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover assisted living, but can cover skilled nursing care in certain circumstances. Take the time to research insurance coverage, government assistance programs, Medicare, and Medicaid, and begin having conversations with loved ones about their care wishes. While staying at home with a personal caregiver might be the desired option, it could be cost-prohibitive so exploring other options is a must-do. A senior care or financial advisor can help you make informed decisions without compromising your loved one’s well-being.

How can I reduce the overwhelm of the decision-making process? 

Planning ahead and breaking down the process into manageable steps can alleviate the overwhelming nature of the aging journey. Start by assessing your loved one’s immediate needs and gradually plan for the future, including exploring care options and creating a budget. Involve your loved one in discussions, respect their wishes, and understand their preferences.

Where do I begin?

The first step is often the hardest when embarking on a journey like this. Many people connect first with family and friends who have experienced similar circumstances. Others seek out support groups or professionals in the aging space to make the process more manageable. However you decide to start, be sure to research care providers, compare services, and understand each provider’s unique offerings. Visit communities, attend informational sessions, and talk to residents and their families to gain insights from others who have been in your shoes.

Your Partner in Care 

You don’t have to do this alone! Organizations like Jewish HomeLife, which has been serving the community for decades, help people just like you every day. 

Reach out to tell us about your loved one. We’ll answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make the best care decision. 

Your journey is unique, and with the right information, you will make the best decision for your aging loved one.