Beyond this realization, getting to the most desired outcome is based on Mom or Dad’s position on a number of variables: acceptance, preferences and financial ability.
When a family has time to plan and an open relationship based on trust and respect, solutions can come about with less stress, guilt and animosity. However, when decisions need to be made without prior conversation, due to a critical event such as a stroke or fall, adult-children struggle with the pressures of doing so regardless of Mom or Dad’s preferences. Regardless of which situation you find yourself in, navigating your way remains the same procedurally.
Acceptance
Is Mom or Dad accepting of care? A very large percentage of seniors are not. Midwest Home Care has assisted many families with these discussions and is happy to assist you. Here is a very good resource offering insight to transitioning this resistance to one of accepting assistance:
Preferences
There are four primary choices for seniors when assistance with daily living becomes necessary:
· In-home/private duty care(non-medical) is focused largely on safety, social engagement, exercise, medication reminders and household chores (Services are 1 hour a week to 24 hours/day)
· Home Health care (medical) is focused on providing specific medical visits (blood draws, IV’s, etc.), administering medication, and physical therapy among the services (Services are based on needs)
· Assisted living communities (mainly medical) – 24 hour living arrangements
· Skilled nursing facilities (mainly medical) - 24 hour living arrangements
Most seniors indicate they prefer to stay in their own homes. Private-duty agencies such as Midwest Home Care make this not only possible, but preferable. There are many benefits to receiving care at home.
These options may be blended as well to create the desired outcome and balance between medical assistance and social engagement. For example seniors can receive private-duty care while living in assisted living communities or skilled nursing facilities to create a more relationship oriented environment.
Ability to Pay for Services
The following are some financials that may help you evaluate long-term care options:
In-Home/Private-Duty Rates (2011) | Monthly | Increase over 2010 |
Median | $3,840.00 | 0.00% |
Assisted Living Facility (2011) | Monthly | |
Median | $3,261.00 | 2.39% |
Nursing Facility (2011) | Monthly | |
Median | $5,964.00 | 5.10% |
Statistics by www.genworth.com | ||
All statistics based on 8 hr/day, 5 days/week |
Some in-home/private duty agencies currently accept governmental financial assistance. Long-term Care Insurance
generally accepted as are benefits offered through the Veterans Administration.
generally accepted as are benefits offered through the Veterans Administration.
Making the Choice
Before making a determination of any one option, conduct interviews, request access to trial programs such as participating in an assisted living community/skilled nursing facility ‘Activities day’ or requesting a short trial period with an in-home/private-duty agency and certainly site visits are recommended. A suggestion for ‘outside the box’ consideration that will not only save you time but, perhaps improve your interviews overall would be to invite everyone to the same table. Ask your questions once and measure the responses of each all in one sitting. Midwest Home Care is happy provide a format for this process on request.
