December 2, 2019

Long-Term Care: Discuss Your Options Before You Need Them

Your loved one is still perfectly capable of caring for themselves and enjoys their independence, so discuss the different options about possible long-term healthcare while they still can.

Sit down with your family and have an honest conversation about what your senior loved one wants to do, should they need assisted care. Being prepared now means you and your family will not have the stress of coping with a “surprise” situation.

Young woman and elderly father using a tablet together at an assisted living community

Pay Attention To Changing Habits

As you visit your senior loved ones, you may notice subtle – or not so subtle – changes in their daily behavior and abilities. Know the warning signs that your loved one may require long-term care.

Physical changes: Your family member has difficulties completing regular daily tasks like eating and bathing or has unexplained injuries. Other indicators of deteriorating physical abilities include weight loss, a messy home, and frequently misplaced items.

Cognitive changes: This goes beyond simple forgetfulness. Your loved one may have frequent, extended lapses in memory or regularly miss appointments and events. Be mindful of their mental health as these symptoms can be a precursor of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Financial changes: Are there bills piling up on the table? Does your loved one struggle to complete essential financial and mathematic tasks? As their mental abilities change, your loved one may also begin to struggle with their financial activities as well.

Make A Plan

It may not be the easiest discussion, but it’s an essential one. Long-term care is different for everyone, so discuss factors like health, capabilities, finances, and preferences.

Consider factors such as:

Family and individual concerns
Assigning jobs to assist seniors regularly at home
Available care facilities and at-home services
Prices and available finances
Power of attorney and estate planning

Make sure it’s a conversation, not a one-sided lecture. Seniors and family members all need to be able to express their opinions and concerns freely.

Consider Your Options

A change in your loved one’s abilities doesn’t necessarily mean they need to go to a long-term care facility. Options for assisted living and at-home care continue to grow, so do your research and investigate services available in your area.

Depending on their needs, your loved one may choose:

An in-home caregiver: Seniors can remain in their homes while receiving assistance for specific tasks like cleaning or cooking.

An assisted living facility or retirement community: These facilities are for those who have few medical needs but struggle with daily living tasks.

Skilled nursing or memory care: These are typically the best option for seniors with considerable health care needs or those who have developed dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Learn more about how Embassy Healthcare can help you and your loved one plan for the future, call us at 888-975-1379 or contact us online.