Many adults do not like to consider the day when they will be unable to live independently. However, circumstances can change quickly. An illness can leave a senior incapacitated and people may need long-term care sooner than they realize.
Adults should think about long-term care before they need it. The Association for Long-Term Care Planning says that about 70% of seniors need long-term care at some point in their lives. If people do not have a plan, they may not know which resources are available. Additionally, long-term care can often be pricey. When seniors plan ahead, they can consider the kind of care they want to receive and put together a plan to afford this care.
Plans for staying at home
According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors can set up a long-term care plan that allows them to remain in their homes. In this situation, people should consider what they might need in the future. Some seniors may be unable to perform household chores as they age. In this situation, they can arrange homemaker services with a home health agency. This would allow someone to come to the house to cook and clean.
Additionally, seniors could arrange for a nurse to visit the house a few days a week. This nurse could help people manage their medications and lead them through therapeutic exercises.
Plans for mobility
Some seniors may lose the ability to drive. People could arrange for a transportation service. In this situation, a driver would pick them up from their home and take them to shopping centers, doctors’ offices and community centers. This allows seniors to continue their usual routine once driving is no longer an option.
As seniors cement their plans, they should be sure to write them down. This makes it easier for them to communicate their plans to their adult children.
