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 with disabilities or illnesses that make it impractical for them to maintain a safe environment at home are sometimes enrolled at an adult day care establishment. Such services are designed for individuals who need supervision, but can go back to their primary residence when other adults are there to provide help if it becomes necessary. Such establishments usually take only a limited number of people, so that each individual has appropriate supervision when he or she is at the facility.
Residential facilities or group homes are other options one has when it is no longer realistic to live independently. Residents of such establishments are typically given assistance with the activities of daily living, and if a nurse is on staff, the administration of medications. Individuals are usually on staff twenty-four hours a day to help residents of such homes.
Assisted living facilities are somewhat similar to the aforementioned option. They provide personal assistance around the clock as well, but it is also offered on a limited basis. Residents must be mobile in order to be admitted into an assisted living establishment.
Nursing homes are the wisest choice for individuals who can no longer live safely in any of the aforementioned environments. Also referred to as skilled nursing facilities, such establishments provide a broad spectrum of assistance including help with medications and medical treatments. In most cases, registered nurses are on staff around the clock, and clients are given the opportunity to participate in recreational activities if they are not physically or mentally limited.
With regard to payment for such services, individuals have a variety of options in many cases. For example, a standard health insurance policy may include benefits for long-term care. An individual may also qualify for Medicare if he or she is of the appropriate age. In certain cases, such services are paid for privately by the patient's family. Anyone in need of chronic care should review all his or her options prior to making a final decision.
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 with disabilities or illnesses that make it impractical for them to maintain a safe environment at home are sometimes enrolled at an adult day care establishment. Such services are designed for individuals who need supervision, but can go back to their primary residence when other adults are there to provide help if it becomes necessary. Such establishments usually take only a limited number of people, so that each individual has appropriate supervision when he or she is at the facility.
Residential facilities or group homes are other options one has when it is no longer realistic to live independently. Residents of such establishments are typically given assistance with the activities of daily living, and if a nurse is on staff, the administration of medications. Individuals are usually on staff twenty-four hours a day to help residents of such homes.
Assisted living facilities are somewhat similar to the aforementioned option. They provide personal assistance around the clock as well, but it is also offered on a limited basis. Residents must be mobile in order to be admitted into an assisted living establishment.
Nursing homes are the wisest choice for individuals who can no longer live safely in any of the aforementioned environments. Also referred to as skilled nursing facilities, such establishments provide a broad spectrum of assistance including help with medications and medical treatments. In most cases, registered nurses are on staff around the clock, and clients are given the opportunity to participate in recreational activities if they are not physically or mentally limited.
With regard to payment for such services, individuals have a variety of options in many cases. For example, a standard health insurance policy may include benefits for long-term care. An individual may also qualify for Medicare if he or she is of the appropriate age. In certain cases, such services are paid for privately by the patient's family. Anyone in need of chronic care should review all his or her options prior to making a final decision.
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