Tracie Garcia, ElderStage – 832.732.4610 – www.elderstage.com

When our elders, that we love, reach those stages in life where they need more attention medically and with their daily activities, where do you turn?

A normal first instinct is to call or visit the large, resort looking facilities, we see from our roads. A good majority of us are in "sticker shock" after one or two visits. We start to feel trapped while wondering, "what are we going to do or how will I take care of mom/dad".

No, bigger is not always better. Although, the larger facilities look grand and often offer personal rooms, your loved one might end up being left alone more. Feeling isolated, lonely, abandoned or depressed is not what any senior needs. Sure, these grand facilities look like there are lots of activities and interaction it is usually more with the seniors that are still at a level of independent living rather than an assisted living need. The further the decline in mental, social or medical health, the more attention the caregivers need to give independently. This becomes more challenging in larger places where the caregivers are responsible for too many residents during their shifts.

There are several other options we are usually not aware of that are smaller and more affordable. These are personal care homes and independently owned assisted living and memory care facilities. They provide much better care with a much better caregiver to resident ratio. The care becomes more individualized and intimate. These smaller, individually owned, facilities are usually more accommodating in their prices as well.

There are homeowners that create beautiful, loving and caring environments for our elders because they have servants’ hearts and compassion, but there are a few that are doing it more for the income. This is where working with a senior care consultant, that vets all the facilities out, is the best resource you could utilize. They'll do the leg work for you to match up all your needs; medical, social, logistical and financial.

ElderStage prides itself on promising to know the facilities in the Montgomery County area of Texas and helping you navigate through all the choices in your area by only taking you to the places they would place one of their own loved ones.