Longevity is inevitable for many, but our happiness and comfort during those extended years are entirely up to us. In a study released earlier this year, the National Center for Health Statistics shared that the number of centenarians has increased by 43.6% from the year 2000. This means that we could reach our hundreds and lack of preparation could be dangerous.
Understandably, planning for long term care can be difficult and nerve-racking. After all, preparing for future conditions, illnesses, and inability to complete day-to-day tasks is never going to an enjoyable topic. But while these thoughts may be disheartening, they do not take away the importance of having a good plan in place—years before you need it. However, keep in mind that you are not alone in planning. It is because of these difficulties that organizations, such as ALTCP, provide access to online tools that will make personalized planning for long term care accessible on one’s computers or mobile phones. Before meeting with long term care professionals, these tools can give you an in-depth understanding of what long term care is and what you need to know about it—without overwhelming you with too much information and industry jargon.
Part of preparing a good long term care is deciding where you want to receive the care that you will end up needing. While some older Americans can opt to receive care in their own homes and stay in their own spaces, many require specialized attention that they can only find in long term care facilities. However, it is not as easy as packing your bags and just moving. Naturally, older adults have valid reservations about moving elderly to assisted living facility.
“I won’t be able to afford it.”
One of the main concerns that many people have when it comes to assisted living facilities is the price. Admittedly, these settings do come at a hefty price. According to ALTCP cost of care 2018, the median price for an assisted living in the United States could cost a person $3,863 a month.
However, long term care prices are drastically cheaper in some states, so where you live is a significant factor in determining whether you can afford it or not. Also, insurances that cover long term care help immensely in paying for the stay at these facilities. It helps you save a pool of money you can dip into when the time comes.
Additionally, many people often have the notion that living in their houses equates to a free stay, but maintaining homes also cost so much money, as well. Because of how it has become part of their daily routines, homeowners at times forget to consider so many factors that are also heavy in the pocket, such as monthly utility bills, repair, and replacements costs, or even property taxes.
Check out our Comprehensive Guide on Long Term Care Insurance.
“Goodbye, Independence!”
Many people do not realize this, but sometimes, when we choose to stay in our own homes, we end up sacrificing more of our independence. It slowly creeps on people, so many might not even notice it. However, so many families and older adults have expressed that once they had stopped to look back, they had realized that they had given so many hobbies and responsibilities because of new limitations that were not there before. While comfort may be found in our own houses, everything, such as driving to pick up groceries or to meet up with friends, will be up to us or our families. Some cases, family members would have to sacrifice a few of their own responsibilities or commitments to come to our aid. Some people end up staying in their houses with limited social experiences.
However, many older adults feel that moving into a facility means giving up their independence. There is this notion that they will be guarded for most of the time, and their every move will be monitored under the guise of safety and protection. However, facilities in the country have taken great steps to ensure the opposite.
Assistance is available 24/7 if you need it, but facility members often encourage their residents to take part in activities that promote independence. Older adults can participate in opportunities that help them become physically fit, socially engaged, and mentally sharp.
Also Read: Insider Tips for Independent Senior Living
“I’ll get even sicker if I move there.”
The root of this thinking is that many people believe that assisted living facilities and nursing homes are as they are depicted in films—depressing, isolated, and mind-numbingly boring. Some even believe that you go to nursing homes to wait to die.
However, these facilities are built to provide long term care in all forms, whether it is physical, mental, or emotional. It is only natural that older adults are more vulnerable to illnesses, but these facilities provide the services that individuals need to curb or prevent them from happening.
These facilities and organization ensure that their residents get the proper technology that they would not have easy access to at home. These may include tools and services, such as the latest versions of Vive Health’s blood pressure monitors, which provide precision to round-the-clock assistance from professionals.
“You’ll forget about me.”
Irrelevance is often the biggest fear that plenty of older adults will shy away from voicing out. This is the type of fear that eats away at anyone’s mind, and having to move to an assisted living—far from families and comfort zones—only aggravates those negative emotions.
Long term care professionals are very much aware of this occurrence, and they do not take it lightly. Facilities often encourage families to visit as often as they can, and some even provide other means of communicating with loved ones from across the country. In this article, we asked experts to share tips when visiting parents in the nursing home and assisted living that can help you make the most of your visit to the facility. Social activities and opportunities are also always present in communities to eradicate loneliness. To illustrate, New York Times recently published an article about Hebrew Home at Riverdale holding G-Date for their residents. They are open to socialization in all forms, including the physical kind. They understand that age does not matter when it comes to finding romantic love and building relationships, and what was often considered a taboo in assisted living facilities, is now being accepted and celebrated.
This is why open communication between families and loved ones is important. Realize that these emotions and concerns are valid and should not be shouldered alone. Let it sink in, and then talk about it. Have more faith in your loved ones, and let them help you process these concerns.