Programs in Long Term Care Facilities
Anyone who is in the process of planning his long term care (LTC) is advised to have a look at different long term care facilities as each offers services uniquely designed for specific health conditions. To ensure yourself of the most appropriate facility, take time to consult your doctor.
Research has shown that a big percentage of the American population 55 years old and older don't see themselves receiving care elsewhere but home. According to them staying home keeps them close to their loved ones and safe from unfortunate events that may occur in an unfamiliar environment. They don't deny that negative reports about different kinds of abuse in LTC facilities have somehow developed their cynicism but more than the fear of getting hurt outside, they just really want to stay as long as possible in their homes.
Receiving care in your home is classified as in-home care. Elderly people who need assistance with their activities of daily living (ADL) like eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, and transferring go for this type of LTC setting. Their home health care agency will assign them a home health aide who will be responsible for providing them with personal care. It has to be noted, though, that home health aides do not render household chores as these fall under homemaker services, another form of LTC.
Homemaker services are comprised of cooking and meal preparation, housecleaning, laundry cleaning, and running errands among others. All these tasks are performed by a personal care assistant who works for the home health care agency which the in-home care recipient and his family has contracted. The ongoing hourly rate for homemaker services is $18 while that of a home health aide is $19. Should the in-home care recipient wish for a live-in caregiver, he or she has to discuss this with her home care agency.
Nursing Homes and Other Long Term Care Facilities
While home-based care is the preferred choice of most Americans, not everybody can qualify for this type of LTC setting.
Families should see to it that the level of care that their elderly or disabled loves ones are receiving conform to the plan of care which was designed by their physicians. In-home care is ideal for individuals who only need assistance with their ADLs but if they are suffering from a chronic illness which requires 24-hour hands-on care and monitoring they are better off in a nursing home.
Nursing homes are equipped with advanced medical technology that can address serious health conditions that require LTC such as cancer, Alzheimer's, hypertension, and heart diseases to mention a few. Depriving your loved one from nursing home care even though you are aware that he badly needs it is synonymous with murdering him.
Meanwhile, an assisted living facility is another option for elderly people. This is intended for those who cannot manage their medications on their own. While they can still perform most of their ADLs independently, they are discouraged from staying home alone if they need help in the administration of their routine medications.
There are many other long term care facilities which you ought to look into as you plan your future health care needs. For further advice, contact a professional elder care specialist in your area.