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It’s Time To Get Help
Every day, families make the difficult decision of choosing a long-term care facility for a loved one. With old age, some men and women can no longer do basic tasks alone. In some cases, a severe injury or illness can leave a loved one needing permanent assistance. While many families chip in to help, there comes a time when long-term care is best. Long-term care provides fundamental to advanced living assistance to someone incapable of living along. This could be as simple as cooking and cleaning to bathing, walking, and taking medication. Statistics show close to 70% of adults will use some form of long-term care.
The power in asking questions
Deciding on long-term care can be daunting. There are logistical, financial, and emotional factors to consider. Families should also think about safety, emergencies, and available services. Asking the right questions prevents families from choosing a poor service provider and having to start again. These 8 questions can help family members gain clarity during the search for the best possible care.
1. What type of long-term care do we need?
Some loved ones may have an illness or condition that requires a skilled nurse to manage symptoms. This may require 24-hour care. Others need someone to help with tasks around the home or taking medication. Will long-term care be at the facility or in the home? Most facilities have a range of services to meet individual needs and will determine what’s needed.
2. How much will long-term care cost?
The cost can deter many from getting the right help, especially with no prior saving or planning. Assisted living and long-term care can cost more than $67,000 on average per year. Researching the cost can uncover if the facility falls within the budget. This can also help uncover any hidden fees that could rack up in the long run.
3. How does insurance play into long-term costs?
Insurance can be a critical tool in finding the right long-term help. Some families spend over $1,000 in insurance yearly for long-term care. Are any costs covered by Medicaid or additional insurance? Some facilities may not be covered by insurance. Furthermore, Medicaid coverage varies by state. Knowing if the family will be covered, and for how long, can help everyone breathe a bit easier.
4. What added services do you provide?
Families want to know that loved ones will be getting the very best care. Some facilities provide services to enrich the health and wellness of residents. Some persons may need additional support, like physical therapy. Each facility should be able to give a breakdown of available services.
5. How does a typical day look?
Persons staying at the facility should have an idea of the day-to-day operations. This should cover everything from meals, treatment, exercise, social time, and hygiene. By getting a sense of an average day, families can address any concerns and ask for any special provisions.
6. Any certifications?
Don’t be afraid to ask the facility to show certifications. Most long-term care facilities must be certified, especially for insurance purposes. These facilities take pride in quality and consistency. Even additional services like physical therapy should have supporting qualifications.
7. What’s the track record?
The facility should be happy to reveal records of safety and quality. The facility should be able to explain any past incidents and steps taken to improve. Feel free to ask for referrals to get an idea of the care and safety loved ones will receive.
8. What happens in case of an emergency?
Especially at old age, incidents and emergencies can arise. Find out the safety protocols in place. This applies to both assisted living services and long-term care facilities. Let the organization walk the family through the safety process. That way, everyone can feel at ease knowing that family members are safe.
Make a long-term care action plan today
Long-term care is an inevitable reality to more than half of seniors in America. Placing a loved one in long-term care is not an easy decision. Ask the right questions when doing research and speaking with care providers. From there, families can make the best decision that is beneficial to all involved.
