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Right now, if you’re considering long-term care for a loved one, there are two
things you have in abundance. One of those things you know all about. The other
one may come as a surprise.
Here’s the one you know: stress. If you’re like most people going through this
difficult transition time, you certainly have your fair share of stress,
tension and anxiety. In this article and others we hope to help you navigate
your way through these turbulent waters. But there’s one other thing you have
in abundance, and chances are you didn’t even realize it: choices.
Families in need of long-term care solutions have more choices than at any
other time in the past. Now, to be fair, the more you learn about your loved
one’s needs, the more likely you are to eliminate certain choices in favor of
others that are more appropriate to your situation. Nonetheless, it should come
as a great comfort to you that you have a fair number of options at your
disposal. Here’s a brief overview of the major options before you, both within
the Fundamental network and elsewhere.
Nursing Home
Often erroneously used as a generic catchall phrase for any type of long-term
care, is the term Nursing Home. While there are many different types of such
facilities, a nursing home provides a very specific level of comprehensive
care. Indeed, over the years, the level of care provided at many nursing homes
has elevated significantly.
Nursing homes traditionally provide geriatric care, however some now specialize
in serving younger, at risk populations such as those suffering from
developmental disabilities, debilitating illnesses, or those requiring drug and
alcohol rehabilitation. If you’re considering nursing homes, one of the first
questions you should ask is what type of care or resident population they
specialize in.
Independent Living
An Independent Living facility generally offers minimal health care services as
needed, but assumes that the individual is able to care for him or herself. The
primary advantage of this type of living arrangement is that it provides a
self-contained community where seniors can readily meet and mingle with their
peers. Indeed the opportunities for social contact in this type of facility are
by far its greatest health benefits.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is a bit of a cross between a Nursing Home and an Independent
Living facility. Specifically, Assisted Living offers apartment-like living
quarters, but also provides assistance as needed to a population of mostly
functional seniors. The type of assistance offered includes help with meals,
medication and housekeeping, plus the peace of mind that someone is there to
check in on you to make sure everything is okay.
Intermediate Care
Intermediate Care facilities are for men and women with chronic conditions that
prevent them from living independently, but not to the degree that they need
ongoing care. Rather, Intermediate Care facilities offer 24-hour, medically
directed nursing support and supervision.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) /
Life Care Communities (LCC)
Unlike Assisted Living, the Continuing-Care Retirement Community or Life Care
Community requires a lifetime commitment. In fact, the individual interested in
this arrangement signs a contract for life with the facility. The arrangement
is that the individual or couple agrees to spend the remainder of their years
with the facility, and, in turn, the facility agrees to care for them, whatever
their future health requirements may be. This means that the facility has the
wherewithal to provide services and resources commensurate with the health
needs of its residents. These services may be on par with those of an assisted
living facility or nursing home, but the level of care achievable differs at
differing facilities so be sure to scrutinize your choices before making this
level of commitment.
Hospice
Hospice is mostly, but not always, limited to caring for patients who are at or
nearing the end of life. The central philosophy of hospice is to help people
live out their final days free of pain and with their dignity preserved, and to
offer their families the support they need to see this through. Consequently,
Hospice care is generally palliative in nature. That is to say, the intent is
to soothe the patient and make life easier in whatever way possible. The type
of care provided is designed to reduce or manage pain and discomfort, rather
than work towards a cure. In addition to pain management, Hospice also offers
emotional and spiritual support for the patient and his or her family members.
Depending on the situation, Hospice care may be provided in the patient’s home,
in a free-standing Hospice Center, or on the premises of a hospital, nursing
home or other long-term care facility.
Adult Day Care
Adult Day Care is designed to provide care for functionally and/or cognitively
impaired adults during normal business hours. Adult Day Care is generally
administered through an individual plan of care so that the needs of the
individual are properly met. Adult Day Care provides much-needed structure,
plus a wide range of health, social and supportive services in a safe,
protective and nurturing setting.
Home Health Care
Home Health Care is, as the name suggests, health services provided in the home
of disabled, chronically or terminally ill persons, as well as those
recuperating from serious illness or injury. Home Health Care provides medical,
nursing, social, and/or therapeutic treatment, as well as assistance with
activities of daily living (ADLs). Home Health Care is often chosen by patients
who need ongoing care that family and friends alone cannot provide because of
the peace of mind that remaining at home provides.
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