In October, the US is celebrating Long-Term Care Planning Month. The goal of dedicating this month to learning about, sharing information, discussing and educating people on long-term care planning is to increase the number of Americans who greet their golden years with a well-established plan in place and plenty of peace of mind.
While long-term care insurance plans have existed since the late 1970s, it wasn’t until two decades later that the concept caught on. So, what is the goal of long-term care? Long-term care is non-medical; it refers to the personal senior care and services seniors need to accomplish daily routines and maintain their quality of life. Many senior living communities play a large role in this process. At Anthology of Mason residents enjoy personalized care plans, on-site daily activities and social programs, and transportation to appointments.
To begin long-term care planning, it helps to understand the options, possibilities and potential risks of not looking ahead.
What Is the Main Goal of Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is the care older adults need as they become unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). These include activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, transferring to and using the bathroom. Senior living communities like Anthology of Mayfield Heights provide assistance with ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming and dining.
What is the main goal of long-term care? The overall goal is to help each senior to maintain his or her lifestyle as they age. Who needs long-term care Anyone can require long-term care due to the natural challenges of aging or the result of an accident, illness, stroke or other chronic conditions. The most common factors contributing to the need for long-term care include:
Age. The older a person gets, the more likely they are to need additional support.
Gender. Women often outlive men so women are more likely to need outside help as they age.
Housing. Seniors who live alone are more likely to need outside assistance.
Health. Those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may need support for daily activities at an earlier than usual age.
Lifestyle. Seniors who are less active and more isolated may find they need support at an earlier age than seniors who are more active and engaged in daily life.
Senior living communities are an integral part of long-term care planning. Within these communities, care teams address the needs of seniors on every level – emotional, physical and social. At Anthology of Clayton View, seniors find the support to live a life they love with compassionate caregivers, carefully crafted care plans and personalized choices of daily activities.
Long-Term Care Planning
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 70% of seniors will require long-term care at some point. And, despite the fact that so many older adults will need assistance, long-term care planning is still rare. This lack of focus on long-term care planning can not only have a big impact on a person’s finances, it can create stress and reduce the number of options available for seniors and their families.
When a family begins planning for long-term care, it is important to understand what kind of care is needed, what type of community is the best fit and how the costs will be covered. There are four main types of long-term care communities. These include:
Independent Living. These living communities, like Anthology of Novi, empower residents to remain active and independent while providing services on an as-needed basis. At Anthology of Novi, residents enjoy housekeeping services, fitness programs, wellness classes and many daily social activities.
Assisted Living Communities. Assisted living communities are best suited for seniors who enjoy being active but who do require assistance will some daily activities and personal care. At Anthology of Charlottesville, residents enjoy amenities like the indoor pool, golf simulator and fitness center, as well as receive support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, dining, grooming and medication management.
Nursing Homes. Nursing homes are facilities designed for people who need regular medical assistance. This need may be long-term or only temporary, such as following a surgery or injury.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) also play a role in long-term care planning. They are designed to be an all-in-one community, offering both independent activities and care for those with advanced health conditions.
About Anthology Senior Living
At Anthology Senior Living, we make it our mission to provide a unique, individualized senior living experience for our residents. We offer the best in care and hospitality, so each resident can live their life on their terms. Each member of our team is committed making a difference in the lives of each resident and their families.
Interested in locating an Anthology community near you? Use our community finder tool to see what is available in your area. Have questions about long-term care planning, senior care or our communities’ services? Contact us today!