Many young, healthy individuals have never had to think about long-term care and what it will mean for them. Unfortunately, as your loved ones’ age, you may find that long-term care is the best option for the entire family. Understanding the basics of long-term care will make it easier to find a facility where your loved one will be able to thrive despite an aging body.
What is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is a facility that provides care for individuals who are no longer able to perform everyday tasks on their own. If you have an aging loved one who is struggling with personal care tasks, from keeping up with a home that has become too much for them or taking care of meal preparation to struggling to bathe, take care of basic hygiene, and dress themselves, a long-term care facility is a location where they will be able to thrive. At that facility, they will receive high-level care that will help them maintain their health for as long as possible.
Who May Need Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is most often needed by aging individuals who have reached a point where they are no longer able to live alone. Often, long-term care is sought after the death of a spouse that leaves an individual alone for the first time or when family is no longer able to offer the level of care needed by an aging individual. Long-term care may also be sought for a younger individual who has suffered a stroke or other debilitating health problem that has left them struggling to care for themselves within the home environment.
Where are Long-Term Care Services Received?
Most often, long-term care services are received at a qualified nursing home or assisted living facility. These locations are filled with a highly-qualified staff that can offer the specific types of care that each individual need. Long-term care facilities are designed to provide physical therapy, socialization, nutrition planning, and more to help individuals and those suffering from serious health concerns live a happy, healthy, and productive life regardless of their limitations.
In some cases, however, individuals may be able to receive long-term care within their homes. This may be in the form of a caregiver who comes in for a few hours each day to help with basic care tasks or in the form of an all-day sitter who is on hand in case of a problem.
Who Provides Long-Term Care?
In many instances, individuals who need long-term care are looked after during the day by a staff of nurses and other caregivers. Similarly, on staff, you'll find qualified doctors, physical therapists, event planners, and nutritionists who are dedicated to providing a wonderful environment for the individuals receiving long-term care. These care facilities often offer significant advantages over an individual remaining at home. Not only are they able to receive higher-quality care that is more specifically geared toward their needs, they are in a much better position to socialize with other individuals. This can help improve mental status in many seniors as well as helping to improve their outlook, energy levels, and overall health.
Long-term care facilities are often viewed as a "last resort" by family members who want to feel as though they've done everything possible to keep their loved one at home. In many cases, however, opting for long-term care before it's necessary can offer several key benefits that are well worth the early move. If you have a loved one in need of long-term care, contact us today to learn about the benefits of our facility and how they can help transform your loved one's life.
