Plan for Long Term Care Before You Need It

Author

Lakewood Legal Center

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Lakewood Legal Center

Posted on

Mar 08, 2024

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

Long Term Care refers to a wide range of medical, personal and social services for individuals who are unable to provide for their own needs for an extended period of time. This need for care from others may be caused by age, accident, illness, dementia, stroke, depression or frailty.

Long Term Care Planning, on the other hand, is the process of preparing for and funding long term care.

Personal needs may include assistance with activities of daily living to help move about, dress, bathe, eat, maintain hygiene, toilet, or help with incidental daily living activities like household cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, paying bills, visiting the doctor, and taking medications. In other cases, long-term care may consist of providing supervision to avoid injury or wandering, companionship, or support and respite for a caregiver.

How Expensive Can Long Term Care be?

Long term care costs can be substantial. US median rates for nursing homes are close to $210/day, while assisted living median rates hover around $115/day. The average hourly cost of home care is $20. genworth.com/costofcare

Informal Caregiving, provided by family and friends, can carry significant costs as well. These costs are almost entirely shouldered by the child(ren) of the aging parent. For more on this, see “Caring for a Loved One at Home Can Be Challenging.”

Long Term Care Can Be the Greatest Crisis Seniors Will Face

Unfortunately, there is an abysmal lack of planning for long term care in our country. A survey, conducted by the John Hancock Insurance Company, reveals most seniors acknowledge the need for planning but very few actually make preparations for long term care. The study found over 50 percent of the respondents worry about paying for long term care but almost 70 percent of respondents said they had done little to no planning for their long term care needs.

All gaining individuals, regardless of current health, should have a plan in place. Long term care can be the greatest crisis an older person faces. With the need for care, the aged lose their grasp on the three most important lifestyle concerns of the elderly.

  • Remaining independent
  • Having enough money
  • Maintaining good health

All of this can disappear with the need for long term care. The costs of care can wipe out a lifetime of savings and destroy equity in a home and poor care planning can lead the elderly into serious withdrawal and sadness.

Here is a brief outline of ways to create a long-term care plan:

Prepare General Planning Documents and Instructions for Decision Making

These documents and instructions might include requests pertaining to care preferences, wishes pertaining to end-of-life scenarios, wants concerning preferred medical treatments, a list of health care providers, desires for disposition of property and instructions to a potential care advocate or representative. These documents and instructions can be formalized into legal documents by an elder law attorney.

Determining a Care Advocate in Advance

A Care Advocate or Personal Care Representative will represent the interests of a loved one receiving or preparing to receive long term care. This care advocate plays an important role in making caregiving decisions, arranging funding for services, and coordinating care. This person could also be given responsibility by power of attorney or guardianship. A care advocate could be a spouse or child, a caregiver, a friend, a trusted adviser, or even a certified care manager.

Planning for End-Of-Life

End-of-life planning can include preplanning a funeral and burial, preplanning final arrangements, expressing wishes for a place to die, and giving information and instructions for advanced planning documents. We recommend using a Funeral Pre-Planning Advisor to assist in these matters.

Preparing Legal Documents and End-Of-Life Arrangements

These items might include estate planning documents, advanced directives, wills, trusts, and various powers of attorney. We recommend using an elder-law attorney or an estate planner to assist in these matters.

Providing Financial Information for Future Care Costs

This planning would provide the family with a list of assets, income, a savings plan, and insurance plans. Particular funding strategies for long-term care services and asset preservation can also be discussed and planned for. This might include Medicaid or Veterans Benefits.

Make Your Wishes Known

This final step is important. No plan has meaning unless those who will be involved in making the decisions are aware of it. We encourage you to provide copies of the long term care plan to all that may be involved, even if the involvement may seem inconsequential. These directions will allow the family, caregiver and possibly the care advocate to make informed decisions based on the wishes and instructions made in the plan. This will save these individuals a great deal of time, heartache, stress and money as they implement the care plan.

Other Articles You May Like

What is a Typical Day in a Senior Rehabilitation Facility?

Following surgery or hospitalization for an illness, seniors are typically referred to an in-patient rehabilitation center to aid in their recovery. Senior rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Because in-patient rehab is for those who require intensive care for an extended period of time additional services are offered, such as assistance with a number of daily needs as well as social activities and counseling.What is a Senior Rehabilitation Center?A senior rehabilitation center is a place for seniors to recover with specific attention on pain reduction and improved function through multiple therapies.Physical therapy helps increase strength and improve mobility, balance and flexibility, as well as manage pain.Occupational therapy assists patients with performing daily activities that often require fine motor skills or the use of adaptive equipment like a cane or walker.Speech therapy helps with communication, swallowing and cognitive skills such as attention and memory problems.What Does a Typical Day Look Like?MorningNurses visit patients and help with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as needed. Since the goal of rehabilitation is to prepare patients for a successful transition home, the facility simulates a home environment as much as possible. Patients determine their own schedules (within reason), wear their own clothes, and in some cases, have their own personal living space.After breakfast, patients begin physical therapy in a gym setting that features specialized equipment and technology to aid recovery while minimizing pain. Exercises vary depending on the patients needs and abilities. Daily physical therapy builds strength, coordination and balance all necessary to regain independence.NoonPatients have time to recuperate from therapy and socialize during lunch. Options to eat with visiting family and friends, or in their room are also available. Patients meet with the dietitian regularly to discuss food preferences and dietary needs.AfternoonTherapy sessions usually continue after a relaxing lunch. Afternoon therapy might include working with a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. Depending on individual needs, activities might also include shopping, counseling or other activities, such as going on excursions, taking classes, playing games, making crafts or watching live performances, to promote socialization and mental wellbeing.EveningEvening is often a time for relaxing or visiting with family. Following dinner, patients are given ample time to rest up for the next days therapy. Quiet activities such as reading or doing puzzles are encouraged.Colavria Hospitality offers short-term in-patient rehabilitation. Each of our locations provides the perfect mix of therapy, fun and engaging activities, and rest and relaxation that will prepare patients to return home as quickly as possible.Colavria Hospitality currently manages four senior living communities in the Denver metro area which offer a unique mix of care options. Our mission is to provide those we serve with an environment that focuses on hospitality, person-centered relationships, and the well-being of each individual. Each community operates under our Core Principles of Collaboration, Innovation, and Harmony to assure a rich and secure lifestyle for patients as well as a pleasant working environment for our care team. We invite you to take a tour of our facilities.

Tips On Staying Independent as a Senior

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Dementia Challenges: Ways To Address Wandering

If you are caring for a parent or client with dementia, the thought of them wandering will no doubt causes you anxiety. Unfortunately, over 60% of dementia sufferers will wander at one time or another. However, despite the statistics, there are things you can do to help ensure their safety. Whether it has happened before or you are thinking ahead to the possibility, these practical tips can be very helpful when dealing with someone who is at risk of wandering. Practical Tips to Keep Your Senior from Wandering 1. Make sure that all of the doors and windows are secure, without creating a fire hazard.If possible, install devices that will alert you if doors or windows are opened. For doors that have deadbolt locks, try moving the locks to a less noticeable spot; perhaps higher or lower on the door. Also, if you already have an alarm system, you may be able to adjust the settings or wiring to fit your changing needs.2. Sometimes seniors try to leave home to get something to eat or drink.If that is the case with your client or loved one, perhaps you can keep water and snacks handy in areas they frequently relax, including near their bed. When that isnt plausible, ask them regularly if they need anything, before they attempt to go searching for it on their own.3. Many dementia sufferers think they still need to go to work or do other things that used to be part of their normal routine.Also, boredom and restlessness can increase the risk of them wanting to leave home. Physical activity and planned movement can help keep your loved one content. Try to establish a daily routine to help instill a sense of responsibility and stability in your loved one.4. If possible, avoid unfamiliar or busy places that can cause confusion and disorientation.When it is necessary to enter new surroundings, be sure not to leave a person with dementia unattended, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. In their attempt to get themselves to a familiar environment, they may inadvertently wander too far.5.  If your client or parent shouldnt be alone outside, try and make your neighbors aware of this.Simply seeing a senior walking outdoors will not alarm most people, especially if they dont look at all disoriented. Try to make your specific situation clear to those that live nearby and provide your phone number so they can call you if necessary.6. Look into getting ID jewelry, such as this bracelet from the Alzheimers Association.This particular model works with a 24-hour nationwide service. After you call to inform them of what has happened, they will contact members of the community network as well as emergency personnel to begin looking for the person wearing the bracelet.7. If your client or loved one does wander off, spend no more than 15 minutes looking for them in the most likely and nearby places.Then, notify law enforcement. Provide them with a recent photo and a description of the clothing there are wearing.It is wonderful when the adult children of aging parents are able to provide the care needed as they age. However, this isnt always possible due to the busy lives we all lead! Also, being the sole caregiver can be very taxing. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. can help by sending caregivers into the home to assist with daily living activities.Please contact us today for more information about our home care services.

Local Services By This Author

Lakewood Legal Center

Elder Law 7475 West 5th Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado, 80226

Founded in 2000, The Lakewood Legal Center focuses on elder law and mediation. Attorney Rose Mary Zapor has worked in the legal field since 1987 and she understands elder law issues on both a personal and professional basis. At Lakewood Legal Center we operate under the guiding principle that our clients' needs come first. It is always best to have a knowledgeable, experienced attorney when facing any legal issues to protect your interests and rights.Our firm is dedicated to providing you with the quality service and representation you deserve. Our goal is to support you throughout and to set realistic expectations by explaining the legal process so you know what to expect.