Nursing home stays are hazardous during the widespread outbreaks of Covid-19. In Illinois, long-term care facilities continue to see a spike in the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. Rather than seek nursing home care, families and seniors are advised to rely on alternatives.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases to date in long-term care facilities is 14,882; the number of deaths is 2,402. Daily press conferences keep Illinois residents updated, as the number of local coronavirus infections and deaths continue to rise.

If your elderly family member does not require continual medical supervision, a nursing home may not be the safest place to reside during the current health crisis. Covid-19 outbreaks are high in nursing homes because staff call in sick and possess inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Government guidelines change dramatically from week to week as new knowledge about the coronavirus surfaces. State mandates shift regularly as officials attempt to curb the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. Abiding by these shifting guidelines is a challenge for many nursing homes.

Seniors who require extra support have other options. The following alternatives are safer places than nursing homes, which are combating rampant outbreaks of Covid-19. The elderly still receive assistance with the activities of daily living as well as medical attention, when needed.

1. Assisted Living Communities

Many older folks find living in assisted living communities to be a pleasant experience. Seniors receive general support with the activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, eating, medication management and transportation. Senior care services vary among different communities.

Safety services are universal in assisted living communities. The health and safety of elderly residents are promoted through various means, like controlled access to apartments buildings, emergency call systems and skilled nursing staff who are available throughout the day and night.

Assisting living facilities feel like home to many seniors, given the plethora of options. Culturally diverse facilities may be comfortable for those who seek likeminded residents. Golf-oriented communities exist, too. Seniors may even bring a beloved pet, so long as the animal meets breed and size requirements.

2. Adult Day Care

Seniors who live with family will see the benefits of adult day care, especially if the elderly require supervision throughout the day. Adult day care is designed to provide a hospitable place for older people during the weekdays. Family caregivers who work consider adult day care an ideal solution.

Services in adult day care vary from facility to facility. Some centers focus on recreational activities with an emphasis on planned activities in group settings. Examples of social activities include musical entertainment, arts and crafts, bingo, local outings and birthday celebrations.

Other adult day care facilities schedule activities around the health and wellness of seniors. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are prevalent in these facilities. Some adult day care centers provide health services specifically for seniors who suffer from dementia or who live with a disability.

3. In-Home Care

Aging in place is preferred by most seniors. Living in the familiarity of home offers comfort and security to older people, especially to those living with dementia. In-home care services are provided by professional caregivers who visit the senior’s home as often as support is needed.

Seniors who require constant monitoring will benefit from 24-hour care, which is provided by caregivers on rotating shifts. Independent seniors with minimal needs may require services once a week. In-home care is flexible, and care plans are often tailored to meet care recipients’ needs.

Common services that the elderly may expect from in-home care include assistance with the ADLs, such as bathing, toileting, and grooming. Professional caregivers provide transportation to doctor’s appointments and senior centers. Meals are prepared in accordance with seniors’ dietary restrictions.

4. Respite Care

Well-intentioned family members will need periodic breaks from caregiving. When brief holidays from caregiving are necessary, respite care is ideal. Seniors receive care by professional caregivers in the comfort of home, while the family caregiver shops, visits the gym, or goes on vacation.

Dependable respite care may be hired through home care agencies. Shifts vary from a few hours to a few days—respite care is designed to be flexible. Respite care includes the level of care provided by professional caregivers: help with eating, bathing, grooming, meal prep and transportation.

5. Hospice Care

Seniors in their final days may opt for hospice care. This type of care is intended for elderly individuals who suffer from a terminal illness and who are expected to live for six months or less. Hospice care supports those who require comfort rather than treatment of their condition.

Common services offered through hospice care include medical care, medical equipment provision, medications that reduce pain and therapies, like physical, speech or occupational. Emotional and spiritual counseling are provided to both the senior and the family. Respite care for families is an option.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, nursing homes are the last place families want to send their aging loved ones. Rather than risk the health of the elderly, turn to a reputable home care agency, like Assisting Hands Home Care. We provide the support seniors need to fully live out each day.

Assisting Hands Home Care offers a range of comprehensive elder care services. Our non-medical care includes assistance with ADLs, transportation, meal preparation and companionship. Among our flexible care options are respite care, hospice care, overnight care, live-in care and 24-hour care.

Professional caregivers from our reputable home care agency are trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Given our diverse care offerings, choose Assisting Hands Home Care over nursing home care, especially during the coronavirus outbreak. In-home care ensures seniors are safe and protected.

Countless families in Mundelein, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Illinois, and its surrounding communities turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for compassionate senior care services. We’ll serve your aging loved one during the coronavirus pandemic and well after. Call our representatives at (224) 268-9068 for an in-home consultation.