Long-term health care, also referred to as chronic care, involves a variety of services that include providing assistance to those with disabilities or illnesses of a chronic nature. A person may need only moderate assistance, or he or she may be completely incapacitated. Such circumstances can affect people of all ages, but many individuals who require help of this type are elderly.
By 2014, it is predicted that over 12 million older Americans will require the aforementioned assistance. For this reason, advance planning is imperative if it appears that one will eventually need help of this type. Discussing long-term healthcare plans with one's family is always a wise course of action for any individual, especially senior citizens. This way, the person's wishes will be carried out when and if he or she becomes disabled or incapacitated.
Services of this kind can be acquired even if the person is still residing at home. Volunteers, employees from home healthcare agencies, or a combination of both alternatives can often be utilized in order to allow the person to maintain his or her independence for longer period of time than if no assistance was given. In other cases, a long-term care facility is the only realistic option.
Those who have illnesses or disabilities that make it impossible for them to remain at home may he enrolled in adult day care. The latter is a service for those who needs supervision, but can return home when other adults are present to offer assistance if it is needed. Such facilities typically take only a limited number of individuals, so that each person has proper supervision during the time they are at the establishment.
Group homes or residential establishments are additional alternatives one has when living independently is no longer realistic. Those who live at such homes are usually offered assistance with daily living activities, and the administration of medications, although the latter is only available if a nurse is employed by the home. A 24-hour staff is available to assist residents of such establishments.
Another similar option is an assisted living facility. Such establishments offer personal help around the clock as well; however, it is provided on a limited basis. Those living in the home must be able to walk without assistance in order to reside there permanently.
Skilled nursing facilities are the best choice for those who cannot live safely in one of the aforementioned communities. Also called nursing homes, such establishments offer a wide range of health services including medical treatment and the administration of medication. Registered nurses are typically on staff at all times, and residents are also offered recreational activities if they are able to participate.
There is a vast array of options in most cases regarding how to pay for such services. For example, a basic medical insurance policy may cover a certain percentage of long-term services. The patient may also qualify for Medicare if he or she has passed a certain age. In some instances, the patient's family pays for such services privately. Anyone who needs chronic care should refrain from making a final decision until all his or her options have been reviewed.
By 2014, it is predicted that over 12 million older Americans will require the aforementioned assistance. For this reason, advance planning is imperative if it appears that one will eventually need help of this type. Discussing long-term healthcare plans with one's family is always a wise course of action for any individual, especially senior citizens. This way, the person's wishes will be carried out when and if he or she becomes disabled or incapacitated.
Services of this kind can be acquired even if the person is still residing at home. Volunteers, employees from home healthcare agencies, or a combination of both alternatives can often be utilized in order to allow the person to maintain his or her independence for longer period of time than if no assistance was given. In other cases, a long-term care facility is the only realistic option.
Those who have illnesses or disabilities that make it impossible for them to remain at home may he enrolled in adult day care. The latter is a service for those who needs supervision, but can return home when other adults are present to offer assistance if it is needed. Such facilities typically take only a limited number of individuals, so that each person has proper supervision during the time they are at the establishment.
Group homes or residential establishments are additional alternatives one has when living independently is no longer realistic. Those who live at such homes are usually offered assistance with daily living activities, and the administration of medications, although the latter is only available if a nurse is employed by the home. A 24-hour staff is available to assist residents of such establishments.
Another similar option is an assisted living facility. Such establishments offer personal help around the clock as well; however, it is provided on a limited basis. Those living in the home must be able to walk without assistance in order to reside there permanently.
Skilled nursing facilities are the best choice for those who cannot live safely in one of the aforementioned communities. Also called nursing homes, such establishments offer a wide range of health services including medical treatment and the administration of medication. Registered nurses are typically on staff at all times, and residents are also offered recreational activities if they are able to participate.
There is a vast array of options in most cases regarding how to pay for such services. For example, a basic medical insurance policy may cover a certain percentage of long-term services. The patient may also qualify for Medicare if he or she has passed a certain age. In some instances, the patient's family pays for such services privately. Anyone who needs chronic care should refrain from making a final decision until all his or her options have been reviewed.
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