Long Term Health Care Discussion

According to the Administration on Aging, it is estimated by 2030, the older population will more than double to approximately 71.5 million. It is also estimated that of those 71.5 million, 39 to 49 percent will, at some point, require long term care. Long term care can mean in home services, assisted living facilities, or the intensive care of a nursing home. While the term, long-term care does not just apply to seniors, but to any debilitating health condition, of any age, nonetheless the greater percentage of those that do, or will require long-term health care, do fall into the category of the elderly.

While this is a difficult situation to face, if two or more of the following seven conditions are present, there is nothing other to do than face the reality of the circumstances and to make the best, most informed decision as dictated by the circumstances:

1. The person is experiencing difficulty with walking, or is unsteady when standing

2. The persons safety is compromised due to hazards in the home such as stairs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and dangers in the kitchen or bathroom

3. They needs assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation

4. They are confused about taking their medications

5. They are afraid of falling or being alone

6. There exists changes in personality and/or sudden mood swings

7. They are no longer able to manage their finances and require assistance with administering their monthly household expenses

Assuming that the above describes a parent, a relative, or simply and elder friend that you care about, the first thing to do is create a plan. Ask them what would be their ideal is they could no longer care for themselves. Then, start to work toward that proactively. Investigate long-term care insurance. Draw up the appropriate legal documents. Find out who would make medical choices if they were not able to make them on their own.

If you are going to be a caregiver than find out about community sources. Check with friends and neighbors and local organizations to learn about services and resources that will make your job easier. Obviously, the Internet is available to you otherwise you would not be reading this article, therefore use it to check on local, state, and federal, resources. Find the nearest Senior Center and go talk to them. If you’re in a rural community there may not be one close by, however, local churches may have the information readily available. Talk to the church’s/temples pastors, ministers, or Rabbi’s. Ask if they have anyone in their congregation that is a caregiver for a loved one. Then ask if they would be willing to have you contact them. They would most probably happily talk to you about their own experiences and be more than willing to provide you with long term care information. Just having others to talk to that are going through similar circumstances is extremely positive and reassuring.

Long Term Care