Aging can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be so stressful. Creating a long-term care plan can lessen the impact of foreseeable (and avoidable) stresses and help you bring together the proper resources and support team.
If you or an aging loved one experiences an unforeseen medical event, such as a fall or sudden onset of illness, it can be difficult to put together a care plan in the spur of the moment. Having a plan already in place greatly increases the likelihood of a successful recovery.
While the plan may need some adjusting depending on the situation, it is often to modify a plan than to create a new one from scratch. Even a simple list of resources is a great start to care plan; knowing who to call can help immensely under unfortunate circumstances.
When creating a care plan, you will need to consider how much care you require currently and forecast how much you may need in the future.
Daily help may be necessary to achieve the independence you desire—whether that be due to a disability or the progression of a chronic illness. Medical or non-medical care may be needed for a few months, years, or even a lifetime.
Individuals and their families will have to make a lot of important considerations. Decisions surrounding where a person wants to live, what kind of care they can afford, and how involved family members will be are all essential to a well-rounded care plan.
Before diving into the specifics of care plans, let’s take a closer look at long-term care planning in general.
Long-term care planning is the process of preparing for the care that may be needed in the future due to age, illness, or disability.
It is a crucial aspect of financial planning, as the costs of long-term care can be substantial.
Long-term care planning involves evaluating the available options, including in-home nursing care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care, and residential care, and determining the best course of action based on the individual’s needs and financial situation.
Long-term care refers to a wide range of services that are necessary for people who suffer from debilitating health conditions or disabilities.
These services are designed to help individuals with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
There are several types of long-term care services available, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some of the most common types of long-term care services include: