Helpful Articles

Long Term Care

Statistics say that long-term care is inevitable for over 70 percent of people over the age of 65. Knowing the options available can give you confidence in making long-term care decisions for your loved one. There are different levels of care depending upon what your loved one's needs are, ranging from in-home to full-time nursing care in a nursing home. Some of these are:

1] In-home care/home health care

Typically for short duration recovery events - such as recovery from broken bones, mild heart attacks or mild strokes. This may or may not include rehabilitative therapy. There are companies who provide various services with inhome care such as housekeeping, medication reminders and administration and other services that your loved one may need around their home.

2] Adult daycare

The best way to describe this type of care is to think of daycare for children. There are adult daycare programs available for adults in various stages of aging, including programs available for adults struggling with Alzheimer's. This can provide a much-needed respite from the emotional stress and demanding care of your loved one.

3] Nursing home facilities

Full-time 24-hour care. These facilities are usually for those who need help with all areas of living — feeding, bathing, grooming, etc. either because of an adverse medical event, such as stroke, or because of chronic illness. Stays in nursing home facilities can range from days to years.

4] Assisted living or residential care facilities

Assisted living care does have medical staff available, but it is not full-time nursing care. There is usually maid service, some communal meals, and activities available for residents. Residents may need assistance with some things, but are still fairly self-sufficient.

5] Senior housing

These are communities that have been adapted to best fit the needs of seniors. For instance, electrical outlets are often placed higher on walls so that you don't have to stoop to reach them. You can also opt for additional services such as meal delivery.

6] Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

These are facilities set up to see seniors through the first steps of aging and needing assistance, to the final days of their lives. Facilities of this nature provide a place for seniors to go once they leave their homes, without having to then transition anywhere else.

It can be hard to confront the reality that at some point you may find yourself having to make a decision for your loved one about their long-term care, but it's better to think about it ahead of time than to have no place to go when you need it.

An elder care lawyer can help you plan for long-term care needs, plan your loves ones estate and provide financial options related to the obligations inherent in long-term care.