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Evaluating Various Care Options for Long Term Care

by

Ashley Owens

When somebody in the family needs long term care due to old age or disability, it would be difficult for the entire family to balance their time between personal commitments and care giving responsibilities to that person. The majority of family members act as informal care givers of their old parents, spouse, or relatives; but when people get demanding job and lifestyle, they become confused where to provide care either at home or in a facility and what care is needed by that individual.

Home Care

Most people want to grow old or die in the comforts of their own home. Elders feel more secured when cared by their loved ones instead of nurses or staff in nursing homes. Unfortunately, home care services are not covered under life and health insurance, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.

For some, this type of care is expensive because home health aides charge about $19 per hour; therefore 24-hour supervision could be extremely costly. The services offered by licensed home health aides are flexible enough to meet the needs of clients, but they do come with a price.

Nevertheless, many people choose home care over other alternatives. In fact, the expenses incurred can be easily reduced unlike assisted living. They normally cut the hours spent of home health aide by having them stay focused on important tasks such as meal preparation, bathing, and dressing.

When finding a home aide, it would be better to hire someone from a licensed home care agency to ensure this person has been background checked and competent to care for your loved one.

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides homier environment than nursing homes. Residents may live in apartments which is more comfortable than living in nursing home quarters. Assisted living also provides personal care or skilled care which is crucial for seniors and people with disabilities. One downside of living in assisted living facilities is the inadequacy of medical services that are available in nursing homes. In 2007, assisted living rates amounted to $3,000 per month or $35,000 annually, based on the cost of care survey by MetLife. Medicaid may cover assisted living expenses but people have to deplete their assets before they can be eligible for benefits. This, however, prompts people from paying on their own or purchase long term care insurance. Assisted living may provide considerable services, but excludes some levels of care; thus, it is important to check if your loved one is receiving enough care, especially if he or she has acquired chronic illness that needs extensive treatment.

Nursing Home Care

Nursing home care is a good choice for people with chronic ailments and disability who need advanced and immediate care management. This is, however, the most expensive. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a good nursing home:

Ask feedbacks from residents or their families. Dont believe nursing staffs claiming their facility is good, unless you hear good feedbacks from other people

Prepare long term care plans to ensure the success

Make sure the food is good because older and sick people need better meals

Be keen to details, even the smallest and unnoticeable ones.

Check the facilitys records or background from Joint Commission or Better Business Bureau

Need help in

long term care

planning? Visit our website for various resources and

long term care plans

to guide you through the intricate details of LTC planning.

Article Source:

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