Our blog is aimed to be a resource tool for those that have realized their ability to care for an aging loved one is now beyond their abilities. It is an unfortunate reality but the sooner you face it, the quicker your loved one will receive appropriate care. As the leading caregiver resource in Dallas-Fort Worth, we aim to educate you on all the possible care options.
One of the most recently popular and growing forms of senior care are referred to as residential care homes. They can also be referred to as senior board and care homes, group homes, elder care homes, and purpose-built home. The names can vary and the services provided may slightly vary from location to location but the benefits often remain the same.
Benefit #1: Personalized Attention
This is likely the biggest different from assisted living facilities and residential care homes because of the differences in staff to resident ratio. You will typically see around four to ten residents per residential care home putting the staff to resident ratio around 4:1. A lot of the assisted living facilities in Dallas can see staff ratios closer to 10:1 or even 20:1 which can be a challenge if your aging loved one needs extra care. Residential care homes can be a great way to give them personalized care and attention if their health needs require it.
Benefit #2: Autonomy
Residential care homes will often have less structured social activities and encourage their residents to autonomous with their own interests and hobbies. If the idea of programmed social activities you typically see in assisted living facilities doesn’t appeal to your loved one, this could be seen as a big benefit to them.
Benefit #3: Neighborhood Locations
More often than not, residential care homes are actually single-family houses that have been converted into a residential care home. Assisted living facilities may be more spread out across the DFW area and could be a challenge to reach for some caregivers. Residential care homes can increase the likelihood of finding somewhere nearby which allows more flexibility in visiting your aging loved one.
Benefit #4: Memory Loss Friendly
Residential care homes can often provide a great solution if your loved one is suffering with memory loss and become overwhelmed in large social situations. If the idea of attending dinner with 40+ residents could present issues for your loved one, residential care homes could alleviate that stress.
Benefit #5: Companionship
The staff at a residential care home are interacting one on one with your loved one on a daily basis. They will learn how they prefer their food, medication regiment, and even their hobbies. You may see your aging loved one develop a friendship with the resident staff which can lessen the likelihood of senior isolation.
Benefit #6: Staff Coordination with Family
Residential care homes will offer you a more direct source on getting updates around the well-being of your loved one directly for the people caring for them. Assisted living facilities may have a couple of layers and can be hard to get a clear view of your aging loved ones well-being.
We have seen a massive increase in the number of people choosing residential care homes as the form of care for their loved one. The smaller resident numbers can make many of them difficult to find available rooms at though. Contact Senior Living Specialists and we can help you find the perfect residential care home in the Dallas area today!
