Long Term Care Planning Month
Even with Long Term Care Planning Month coming to an end, there is never a wrong time to start thinking ahead about care options for you and your elderly loved ones.
By getting a head start on planning, you can minimize some of the stress of searching for and transitioning a loved one to long term care – and give yourself a roadmap that can adjust as new needs arise.
Why plan for long term care?
The idea of needing care can be scary or upsetting, but planning for long term care ahead of time allows you to prepare for the financial and emotional changes that come with a transition in care.
The cost of long term care varies depending on the type of community, the level of care your loved one needs, and other factors. Careful planning will allow your family to identify your options and budget for the best possible care.
Transitioning to a long term care community can be an emotional rollercoaster for both the person moving into long term care and their family. Talking about long term care ahead of time can help smooth out the process – for your loved one and yourself.
Where should I start?
There are a variety of resources to help you and your loved one begin planning for long term care:
Understand Your Options and When It’s Time:
- What is the Best Facility for My Loved One?: This blog post breaks down the different types of senior living options and the types of care they provide.
- When It’s Time To Leave Home: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) outlines signs it may be time for a loved one to move to a long term care community.
- Early Signs Someone May Need Care: This checklist from the Pennsylvania Health Care Association offers insight into warning signs that a loved one may need a higher level of care.
Having the Conversation:
- How To Convince Your Parent To Move To Assisted Living: This conversation guide could help open a difficult conversation with your parent.
- Discussing Long-Term Care Options with your Loved Ones: This article addresses common questions regarding long-term care that may come up in the conversation with your loved one.
- Help Older Men to Accept Proper Care: According to this article, “men often fight against long-term health care.” Learn how to start the conversation with these tips.
Paying for Long Term Care:
- Paying for Assisted Living: Learn about paying for assisted living, including assistance programs, support for veterans, and private payment.
- Who Pays For Long Term Care? Learn about your options for paying for long term care.
- Paying For Care: The NIH outlines detailed resources for learning about long term care payment.
Finding A Community:
- Assisted Living Vs. Home Care: Explore the differences between an assisted living community and in-home care.
- Skilled Nursing FAQ: What is skilled nursing? See how SNFs are different from nursing homes and assisted living.
- Care Finder: Research local long term care communities in your area that could be options for your loved one.
Making The Move & Settling In
- How To Help A Loved One Feel At Home: Use this guide to get an idea of how your loved one could make his or her new community feel like home.
- Moving A Parent To Assisted Living: Use these tips to plan your visit schedule and set expectations for your loved one’s move.
