Activity Improves Quality of Life for Those in LTC
Let's face it, we all know people getting older and who have needed long-term health care services. Aging is something we are unable to avoid. As we grow old, our bodies are slowly declining. Unfortunately, our health and cognitive skills also decline.
Once a person starts receiving long-term health care services, research shows that more activity and less' sitting time' will improve a care recipient's quality of life, physical functioning, and cognition.
Avoid Sedentary Behavior
According to the research, when you have sedentary behavior, like sitting, and replace it with light-intensity physical activity, like walking, it can improve many areas of overall health.
Western University in London, Ontario, is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. Their research indicated that sitting too much could be accelerating cognitive decline. When combining both physical and cognitive benefits, getting care recipients moving will have tremendous health benefits.
Whether a person is receiving long-term care service in their home or in a facility, the benefits of physical activity are numerous. The problem for some people is the inability to afford quality care options to improve their quality of life and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on family members.
Family Caregivers Not Ready
Family caregivers are untrained and unprepared for the role. The job of a family caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding. The overall quality of care is diminished, and the level of burden placed on the caregiver increases over time.
Professional caregivers and quality long-term care facilities can provide appropriate care, but it comes at a price, and health insurance and Medicare won't pay for this type of care. Medicaid will pay for long-term care services, but you must have little or no income and assets. Plus, the quality of care is somewhat questionable due to the government's low reimbursements.
Long-Term Care Services are Costly
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows an ever-increasing cost of care nationwide. These costs can vary depending on where you are located. For example, in Rochester, New York, in-home care averages around $4800 a month based on a 44-hour week. However, that is less than the New York state average of almost $5100 a month.
If you live in Lawrence, Kansas, the cost of the same amount of in-home long-term care services average over $3700 a month, which is less than the state average in Kansas of just over $4100 a month. Kansas, of course, costs less than New York.
Facilities will also cost more. The costs of any long-term care service can quickly drain income and assets and reduce lifestyle and legacy. People work their entire life to enjoy a successful retirement and leave a legacy only to see it disappear because of a lack of planning.
LTC Insurance Safeguards Assets Ensures Quality Care
Many people use affordable Long-Term Care Insurance to safeguard assets and ensure their choice of quality care in the setting their desire. The problem is you cannot purchase LTC Insurance when you need it - you must obtain coverage when you are younger and healthier.
Experts suggest looking into LTC Insurance in your 40s or 50s. Be sure to shop the top companies since premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies. An LTC Insurance specialist can find you the appropriate coverage at the lowest cost.
Meanwhile, keep active when you are younger and keep older family members as active as possible.