Most family members dread the idea of nursing home facilities for care of their dependent elderly. But, an appraisal by both the elderly patient, physician and family should be coordinated to assess whether this is an immediate necessity for the most comprehensive care. Generally, the independence and mobility of the elderly patient determines this. If the elderly require only minimal care that includes regular professional medical vigilance, the answer is an assisted living facility. These facilities offer complete nursing and physician availability for emergencies as well as a means of semi-independence for their patients. Many families find this an adequate answer to their Chicago elderly care problems particularly if they are employed full-time and don’t have elder care leave from their jobs. Look for a facility that allows regular family visits to insure quality care.
