ReZoom

You've decided that your elderly loved one is in need of a little help. That's a good first step, but now you've got some planning to do. Click on this story to get your bearings ...So you've seen the warning signs (the same outfit day after day, medication bottles left open on the kitchen counter, the fender-bender that could have been worse) and you figure now is the time to get your elderly parent some help. Congratulations. Acknowledging that your parent needs extra care can be difficult, and many people choose to ignore the warning signs until it's too late.

Now that you've made that crucial first decision, exploring your caregiving options is the next step. Keep in mind that this exploration isn't likely a "one-time thing." As a person's frailty increases with age, the options regarding the care of that person, in many cases, needs to be regularly reexamined.

Option 1: Let your parent "age in place." With the familiar surroundings and preservation of freedom and privacy, staying at home is the most popular choice among aging parents. In fact, according to a 2004 study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving, 55 percent of care-recipients live in their own homes.

Of course, allowing your aging parent to remain in his or her house won't give you peace of mind unless you take certain measures. Experts recommend having a nearby friend or neighbor check on your aging parent at least every day. If a neighbor isn't available, contact the local postmaster and request that the letter carrier in that area report any worrisome signs on your parent's property — such as mail or garbage buildup. It's also worth looking into organizations that have professionals who can look in on your parents as needed, such as the Federal Eldercare Locator.

You don't have to rely on the kindness of strangers to ensure your aging parent's health and safety. Home health alarm systems, such as ADT Security Services's QuietCare and Connect America's Medical Alert, are widely available and not terribly expensive.

You can also make changes around the house as your aging parent becomes less steady on his or her feet. Do your best to remove clutter. And if your parent has a bad back, call in an electrician to move wall sockets to waist-high level. Of course, gadgets that cater to the elderly (like talking thermometers and electronic can openers) abound.

Option 2: Take your parent in. Believe it or not, taking in an aging parent has its benefits. Aside from being cost-effective, this situation provides the primary caregiver (this means you) with peace of mind, since you know for a fact they're getting the necessary care. And if Mom and Dad happen to be in relatively good health, he or she can take on certain domestic chores like setting the table for dinner or watering the plants.

But while taking in an aging parent can be an ultimately rewarding experience, it requires an extraordinary amount of organization and resolve. If you happen to work full-time and plan on continuing to do so, be sure to talk it over with your employer. Fortunately, many companies are joining the new trend of accommodating their employees who are taking care of parents by offering elder care programs, flex-time schedules and telecommuting.

Still, having an aging parent around the house means you're "on call" 24-7. You need to take regular breaks from your caregiving duties to avoid stress, depression or your own set of physical ailments. Little ways to avoid these pitfalls include steeling yourself against an inevitable period of adjustment, establishing ground rules early (remember, you're the boss) and hosting regular family meetings to air any and all grievances.

Option 3: Find that home away from home. The different monikers for these places vary widely — from "health center" to "enhanced living center" to "home for the aged" —but there are really only two terms you have to remember: assisted living facility and nursing home.

Assisted living facilities provide a range of services for elderly people who require some day-to-day help. Most assisted living facilities require that the care-recipient be in good health upon entering, and encourage their members to be as social and independent as possible. As a result, people who stay in assisted living facilities often age slower than those who enter a nursing home prematurely. However, the price tag is steep: According to the MetLife Mature Marketing Institute, the national average is about $3,000 per month, and that's just for a room with basic amenities such as laundry service and medication management.

Nursing homes are often large complexes that offer a full spectrum of care, providing services for those with debilitating and terminal diseases. Traditionally viewed with disgust and even fear among members of the Greatest Generation, nursing homes can create a crippling sense of guilt amidst those who have placed loved ones there.

That said, nursing homes are not the sterile, hellish asylums of old. Here in the 21st century, about the most shocking thing regarding nursing homes is the price: The average fee for a nursing home stay is $60,000 per year, and that doesn't begin to cover medication, therapies and doctor's fees. Handing over $100,000 per year to a nursing home facility is not uncommon. If you'd like some help in shopping for a nursing home, check out Nursing Home Compare for quality data and inspection reports.

For more on caring for your aging parents, check out our Aging Parents section.