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October marks National Long Term Care Planning Month – a month dedicated for seniors and their loved ones to discuss both present and future care needs. Long term care refers to more than just basic medical care as it includes help with every day tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing. As many seniors and their families will tell you, life circumstances can change very quickly, which means having a plan can make the unpredictable moments in life easier to manage. Planning early reduces the stress on seniors when it comes time for a change, and eases the burden on adult children who often lead the way in long term care planning. According to the National Department of Health and Human Services, about 60% of people will require at least basic assistance with their daily care needs, if not more dedicated daily medical care. Here are four important steps to take full advantage of Long Term Care Planning Month.
As a loved one grows older, you may notice a variety of changes. These changes can be physical including limitations with mobility or vision. Maybe they are needing more regular assistance with bathing, dressing, or other basic tasks. You may also notice cognitive changes like misplacing items more frequently or forgetting the name of a pet or grandchild. Having an honest conversation about these changes and how they are impacting every day life can be an important step in deciding what is next. Sometimes it may be difficult to speak with a loved one about their changing care needs, which is all the more reason why starting the conversation early can be so valuable.
Long term care does require saving. Medicare generally only covers costs related to rehabilitation and medical care, not the care associated with most basic daily activities. It is important to be saving specifically for long term care costs to make sure seniors can select the best option without worry of financial burden. Meeting with a financial advisor that can assess your family’s specific situation is a great place to start. Some insurance companies also offer Long Term Care Insurance which can help with or even completely cover the costs of some extended care. The Department of Health and Human Services offers some resources on insurance options on their website.
There are three primary types of long term care available for seniors. Speaking with family, friends, medical professionals and senior care advisors can help determine the best choice.
· Independent Living: Independent Living is an option for seniors 55 and older that do not require assistance with every day tasks, but are looking for a worry and maintenance free lifestyle. Seniors in independent living may have access to some assisted living resources, but generally can handle day to day tasks without help.
· Assisted Living: Assisted Living provides help for seniors not only with basic medical needs, but help with daily life activities as well. This can include things like dressing, bathing, or eating. Communities also provide enrichment and social activities for residents.
· Memory Care: Memory Care provides care specifically designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. This round the clock care provides special programming and safety features for seniors in need of cognitive support.
The best way to find a perfect fit for your loved one is to make some visits to local senior living communities to understand their offerings. There are all kinds of important factors you will want to evaluate when visiting a community such as the location, room and common area layouts, staff and care teams, the specific care offerings of the community, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the community leadership or care teams that you interact with while visiting. Take a look at an upcoming activities schedule to see what types of things residents are up to each day. Maybe visit the dining room to get a feel for the food service and communal dining. A tour is your chance to better understand what life will be like while living in the community, so be sure to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Provision Living offers senior living that fits any lifestyle. Our team works with you and your loved ones to understand individual care needs, and can help recommend the best fit. We understand that there are many questions that come with making a big transition. Schedule a tour with a local community to experience all of the amazing benefits of senior living with Provision.
