Long-term health care helps people with medical and personal needs that are expected to last for a long time. Long-term health care can be provided at home, in the community, or in various types of facilities. When you consider different long-term health care options, remember that quality varies from one caregiver or place to another. Long-term health care is expensive, and Medicare.gov advises planning for long-term health care before a crisis occurs.
Definition
Long-term health care involves different services that include both medical and non-medical assistance to those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Long-term health care helps a disabled person to meet his personal and health needs. Most long-term health care provides support services that assist people with daily living needs. People usually need long-term health care as they age, but people of any age can need long-term health care.
According Medicare.gov, by 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term health care. Family members may be able to help with some of the needs of a disabled loved one, but some care--such as nursing care or therapy--must be given by licensed health care workers.
Advance Planning
Many people will need long term health care at sometime during their lives. Planning for it is important so you can decide which facility you would like to live at and prepare you and your family for the transition. Discussing your long-term health care wishes in advance will help you and your family if the time comes when you can no longer take care of yourself.
In-Home Care
You can get long-term health care in your own home as long as caregivers or loved ones can manage your needs safely. Care can be given by paid professionals, volunteers, family members or friends, or a combination of several of these groups This type of care can include help with housework, shopping, cooking, daily care needs, nursing care or several of these services. Hospice care is available for those with a terminal illness. People being cared for in-home can participate in community care programs including adult daycare, meal delivery programs, or senior center activities.
Other Options
If you cannot stay in your home if you become disabled, there are other long-term care options. Adult foster care is a long-term health care option that can be provided for a single person or for small groups of people who need help with their daily living needs or who cannot live safely by themselves.
Residential care facilities or group homes are small private places, typically with fewer than 20 residents, that provide long--term health care. Residents get their meals and personal care, including things like dressing, help using the bathroom, bathing and medication management. Staff is available 24 hours a day for these needs.
Assisted living facilities provide personal care 24 hours a day on a limited basis. They also provide three meals a day. Residents usually live in their own apartment within a building or group of buildings. Social and recreational activities are usually provided but residents are not usually escorted to them.
Nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities provide care to people who cannot live safely at home or in the community. Nursing homes provide a wide range of personal care and health services 24 hours a day. Nurses are on staff at all times. Activities are provided and the residents are escorted to them if they choose to go.
Paying For Care
Medicare, supplemental policies or standard health insurance policies do not pay for the cost of long-term health care. Long-term care insurance can protect your personal assets and money you want to pass on to your family. Such insurance provides long-term health care options, but the cost of long-term care insurance increases as you age, with premiums going up substantially as you reach retirment age, according to the American Health Care Association.
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