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Important long-term care statistics
For some families, elderly loved ones may require long-term care. Long-term care services are essential if an elderly loved one is no longer safe or capable of living alone. Statistics show that 8% of those aged 65-74 in 2018 need long-term care services. This number goes up to 17% for people aged 75-84 and 42% for those older than 85. A family member with Alzheimer’s, in particular, may benefit from long-term care services.
What is long-term care?
Long-term care is a wide range of health, personal care, and supportive services to help meet the needs of the elderly and adults whose capacity to live alone is limited. Long-term care includes services such as meals, therapy, and transportation services. Caregivers also assist patients with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and taking medication. The service could happen either at home or at a nursing home. These services aim to maintain someone’s physical functioning and quality of life.
Could you have Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia in older adults. This is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory and thinking skills. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans have the disease. Alzheimer’s has 3 early signs that families should notice.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Forgetting names and appointments is common with age. However, when a person already forgets recent information, that is already a sign of early-stage Alzheimer’s. The memory loss could also be in the form of forgetting essential dates such as birthdays and anniversaries. Repeatedly asking the same questions and constantly relying on memory aids such as post-its and phone reminders are also considered early signs of the disease.
2. Are they struggling to follow instructions?
Suddenly being confused with numbers and having difficulties following a plan are also early signs of Alzheimer’s. This can be in the form of having trouble following a recipe or calculating monthly bills. Those with early signs of Alzheimer’s take longer and become increasingly frustrated when completing these seemingly simple tasks.
3. Difficulty in completing familiar tasks
This last one is easy to detect, especially for those living with the impacted person. Getting lost around the house, forgetting the rules of basketball or other favorite games, having trouble cooking favorite dishes, and accomplishing other such familiar tasks are considered early warning signs of the disease.
Benefits of long-term care
Whether a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another condition that makes living alone difficult, there are excellent benefits to long-term care. For starters, there’s improved safety, which prevents loved ones from getting lost or taking proper medications in the correct dosage. Alzheimer’s patients will also have professional care and improved social interactions at long-term care facilities. Best of all, knowing that a loved one is constantly being taken care of gives families peace of mind.
Is it time to consider long-term care?
The health and welfare of loved ones are the number one priority. Look for the signs of Alzheimer’s and speak with a doctor immediately. These signs could indicate that additional support is needed since some loved ones would not have the time and training to help. Long-term care ensures a helpful caregiver can support elderly loved ones, administer medication, and improve life quality.
