Long Term Eldercare
Long-term Elder Care
When some senior citizens find that they have a harder time doing daily activities and functioning at a normal level in day-to-day life, they can consider the option of utilizing some kind of long-term care. There are many different ways that senior citizens and those coordinating their elder care can seek assistance without creating financial burden on themselves. Although this article discusses some of those options, it is always best to discuss your needs with your physician and family in order to make the best decision for you.
Community Services
There are many people who volunteer or work with non-profit organizations that provide services to senior citizens in need of care. These groups tend to help with basic daily life activities like shopping, traveling, or providing prepared meals to those having difficulty accomplishing these tasks on their own. Here is a comprehensive list of possible services that are typical in most communities:
- Adult day care
- Meal programs (Meals on Wheels)
- Senior citizen centers
- Friendly visitor programs
- Help with shopping and transportation
- Help with legal questions, bill paying, or other financial matters
In Home Health Care
Another more personal option that provides more focused and individual attention to senior citizens in more need of aid for longer periods of time throughout the day is in home care. There are in home health care agencies that provide elder care for senior citizens who need the extra support from what friends and family already provide. Using an independent caregiver may be more cost-effective than using an agency. In the home health aids can offer help with daily activities such as preparing meals or household chores as well as general health management.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Family and friends of senior citizens who require extra assistance may consider something called an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Smaller unused sections of the house like a basement or attic can be used as ADU, which typically serve the purpose of providing safe and accessible living space for loved ones who require aid while maintaining privacy. ADUs can also be added on to the house , but it is advised that family and friends check local zoning laws to be sure that kind of construction is permitted in the area.
Subsidized Senior Housing
Federal and state programs can aid in the cost of living for senior citizens who have incomes that cannot accommodate other types of living settings. This is called subsidized senior housing and allows for senior citizens to live in private apartments, at times with additional services provided by people who work in the building. The rent is dependent upon the income of the individual living there, rather than being a set rate.
Group Homes
Another option that can provide more focused care than subsidized housing is a board home, care home, or group home. There is usually a team of individuals at these facilities that can offer more basic help although they do not often provide private caregiving services. Again, the cost of living is often dependent upon the income of the individual living there.
Assisted Living
Organizations that provide medical services to senior citizens in addition to living arrangements are commonly called assisted living facilities. These organizations usually provide more care to those who need medical assistance or more intensive care throughout the day. Medicare, however, does not pay for these services, and they are charged in addition to the cost of living at the facility.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are communities that offer a wider variety of living conditions and services according to the senior citizen’s need. This allows for movement within the facility as functioning and state of health changes for the individual. Admission into these types of communities usually requires paying a large fee with subsequent monthly charges.
Hospice
Hospice is a service provided to those who are terminally ill and have a certain amount of time left to live. Hospice is usually comprised of a team of in home health care professionals, doctors, and counselors who try to make these patients and their family/friends as comfortable as possible. Medicare can cover the cost of hospice if those who seek care are eligible, although those living in a group home do not have their rent covered while receiving hospice services. Also, 24 hour services by hospice in the home is not covered my Medicare.
Respite Care
For people who need rest after caring for others, respite care provides relief services. People receiving hospice are covered for up to five days to check into a hospital or some other care facility that provides services while the usual caregiver is on leave from the position.
