Senior Personal Care Assistance Improves Quality of Life. Finding Quality Long-Term Care Services Vital
As our parents age, their desire to stay independent and maintain a good quality of life often remains strong. While they may have the desire, declining health, body, and mind often mean they need some help with the everyday living activities most of us take for granted.
Over 60 million people, or approximately 26% of the total U.S. population, have a disability. Additionally, 20% of the population is at or over the age of 65, a number that is steadily increasing. Aging is a big issue.
While aging at home is usually the most preferred option, there are situations where a long-term care community, like assisted living, might be the best choice. Selling the house and moving into an assisted living facility can be a better option for several reasons, especially for older adults experiencing some decline.
Many homes are not age and disability friendly. U.S. Census Bureau says about 4 million U.S. households with an adult age 65 or older had difficulty living in or using some features of their home. Stairs, narrow doorways, and bathrooms without grab bars can become significant obstacles with aging in place. Assisted living facilities are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of older adults, providing accessible living spaces that promote safety and independence.
Some individuals may require more care than what is feasible to receive at home. Assisted living communities offer professional care and support, ensuring that residents receive assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Additionally, assisted living facilities provide a vibrant community with social activities and opportunities for engagement. Residents can enjoy a variety of recreational and social events, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
This active social environment can significantly enhance the quality of life. However, assisted living also allows for privacy, as residents have their own living spaces while still having access to communal areas and social activities.
This balance of privacy and community can provide the best of both worlds for older adults looking to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community.
Plus, many families consider selling a home and moving into an assisted living facility, which can also relieve the burden of home maintenance and repairs. This allows older adults to focus on their well-being and enjoy their retirement years without the stress of managing a household.
Fortunately, the senior personal care assistance available at quality assisted living and senior care facilities can be a game-changer, offering tailored support that empowers them to live safely and comfortably at home.
Tailored Care for Everyday Needs
A recent AARP survey found that 41% of adults aged 50 are helping a loved one with their long-term care needs. Quality senior personal care assistance can alleviate some of this burden by providing a helping hand with a variety of daily tasks, including:
- Mobility and Safety: Personal care aides can assist with walking and transferring from bed or chairs, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- Personal Hygiene and Grooming: Taking a bath, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene in the bathroom can become more challenging with age. Aides can provide discreet and respectful assistance with these tasks, promoting self-esteem and well-being.
- Medication Management: Managing multiple medications is crucial for seniors. Aides can ensure timely and accurate medication administration, reducing the risk of errors and promoting better health outcomes, especially for those with mild cognitive impairment.
- Nutritional Support: Maintaining a healthy diet is vital for older adults. Assisted living facilities have a dining room, and some have multiple dining rooms featuring a variety of menu items, ensuring dietary needs are met.
Beyond Practicalities: The Power of Companionship
Loneliness and isolation are significant concerns for older adults, negatively impacting their mental and emotional well-being.
Fellow residents and their staff provide companionship through friendly conversations, engaging activities, and simply being present. This social connection can significantly improve mood, reduce loneliness, and foster a sense of purpose.
Exploring Options and Making Informed Decisions
If you're considering personal care assistance for your parents, a quality assisted living facility may be ideal. Finding more information on quality assisted living facilities and other senior care options for your loved one will help ensure they enjoy a better quality of life.
There are many options to consider, depending on where your loved one lives and their needs. Be it assisted living, memory care, or even active independent living facilities that are often connected to assisted living and nursing home facilities, there are many choices.
For example, Discovery Village Trinity in Trinity, Florida, is an option in the Tampa area that many families consider reviewing for more information about assisted living.
The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory has over 80,000 caregivers, home health agencies, senior communities, and long-term care facilities that you can search with just a few clicks.
The directory helps you narrow down the most reputable personal care services and long-term care facilities that meet your parents' specific needs and budget.
How Much Does Quality Long-Term Care Services Cost?
Cost is always a consideration. If your loved one has Long-Term Care Insurance, consider yourself lucky. Your loved one will have guaranteed tax-free funds to pay for assisted living, in-home care, or other services, depending on their needs.
However, they can't purchase an LTC policy now that they are older and need long-term care services; they probably purchased it when they were much younger. Today, most people obtain Long-Term Care Insurance in their 40s, 50s, or even 60s, depending on health.
Remember, health insurance, including Medicare, only pays for short-term skilled care. Medicaid is usually not an option unless your loved one has very limited financial resources—and then you are limited to Mediciad-approved facilities.
Without Long-Term Care Insurance, your mom or dad will need to pay for assisted living using their income and assets. They will likely begin by selling their home. Additionally, they will use income from Social Security, any defined pension, and earnings from investments to cover the costs.
So, how much does long-term care, like assisted living, cost? That depends! Start by reviewing the LTC NEWS survey of long-term care costs. The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory shows the cost of all types of care services based on location.
Location, location, location. For example, assisted living facility costs in Tampa, Florida, are much different than assisted living facility costs in Portland, Oregon.
The same applies to in-home care, memory care, and nursing homes. The calculator will show you the current median average cost of care services and the projected costs for the future.
Aging Has Consequences - Maintaining Quality of Life Key
When you are older, the personal care assistance you will require will place tremendous pressure on your family and finances. You may be experiencing this right now with older parents.
Make aging easier on your adult children in the decades ahead by planning right now while you are thinking about it. Naturally, you probably think you have plenty of time; however, the ability to acquire Long-Term Care Insurance is partly based on your age and health.
A variety of Long-Term Care Insurance plans are available, and premiums are very affordable if you shop using an experienced, independent LTC Insurance specialist who represents all the top insurance brands in the industry that offer long-term care solutions.
Premiums and underwriting criteria vary dramatically. A specialist will ask detailed questions about your health, family history, and finances to match you with the most affordable coverage.
You need a plan, and you should discuss it with your family. This advance work will make the day you must consider long-term care for yourself much easier.