How do I choose the best LTC for me?

With the Baby Boomer generation growing older each year, it is very important not only for those in the mentioned generation, but also those helping with caring for the elderly, to be well informed on the different types of long term care that are available. But with so many different options out there, how can one be sure that they are picking the right option for themselves or loved one?

There are many different criteria that one can use when trying to find the best long term care facility to fit their needs and wants, and I have decided to bring together some of the different resources and information. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recommends looking for long-term care that:
(1) Has been found by State agencies, accreditors, or others to provide quality care.
-In many States, home care agencies must be licensed. Check with your State health department to see if your State requires it. Whether you work with an agency or hire someone yourself, carefully check the backgrounds of the people who will be coming into your home. Ask for references who have worked with the agency or person. Call them, and ask about their experiences. Would they use the agency or person again? Medicare inspects home health care agencies to assure they meet certain Federal health and safety requirements. Medicare will pay for services only if the agency is Medicare-approved and if the services are covered by Medicare.
-All nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid are visited about once a year by a team of trained inspectors. They check the home and the care provided and prepare a survey report. You have a right to review the report, which must be posted in the nursing home. Speak to the nursing home administrator to learn more about any problems that appear on the report. Ask if the problems have been corrected.
(2) Has the services you need
-You want to make sure that the facility that you choose will be able to accomodate all of the possible illnesses, injuries, or needs you may have. If you have a family member that is at risk for choking, then you want to make sure that someone will be monitoring them during eating times, and that someone there will be able to help them if needed. If you have decubitis ulcers that will need changing daily, then you want to be sure that someone will be able to provide the proper treatment needed. If you just need a ride to the store twice a week to pick up groceries, will that service be available to you when needed?
-Make sure you think of any and all possible needs you or your family may have, and be sure to bring these concerns up with the staff to ensure that they can be properly addressed.
(3) Has staff that meet your needs
-Make sure you visit any possible long term care facilities; you will be able to tell a lot about how residents could be treated based on the interaction between the employees, and how the employees treat their work areas. Don't be afraid to ask for specific staff that fit your or your family's needs; you would rather find out sooner if they are not able to properly handle any of your medical, physical, emotional, or mental needs.
(4) Meets your budget
-Long term care can be very expensive, and you want to make sure that you will be able to pay for everything that you or your loved one may need. According to US News.Health, there are 4 main ways to pay for long term care: pay out of pocket, buy long term care insurance, qualify for medicare by spending down, get a reverse mortgage instead of home equity loan.

There are many different important steps to consider when looking for an appropriate long term health facility. The few I covered today are just that, a few. I believe it is your civic duty to be an informed member of society, and it is up to you to take advantage of all of the resources that are at your disposal.

What is LTC?

Medicare.gov defines Long Term Care as "a variety of services that includes medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care helps meet health or personal needs. Most long-term care is to assist people with support services such as activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom."

When I used to think of long term care, I immediately thought of a person sitting alone in a nursing home, someone who was dumped there by a family who didn't wish to care for them anymore. However, as I have grown older and have become more educated I realize that there are many different options and variations to long term care. Some are more focused on medical care or therapy, while others are places for residents to live and enjoy their remaining years.

I have now reazlied that while my previous thoughts may not be far from the real experiences some face in long term care facilities, other facilities allow for patients to live on their own as though they were in their own homes with minimal assistance. Another variation known as Aging-in-Place allows for the patients to remain in their own homes and has the healthcare brought to them house to continue care. Adult Day Care provides activities, meals, and general daily supervision for elderly and/or handicapped individuals.

My interest in long term care has grown over the past few years, and not just due to my career choice. I feel that in order to make appropriate decisions regarding possible care for my family members, it is my duty to be an informed member of society. It is important to have a plan, in case such an instance arises in which one might need some sort of long term care due to a sudden injury or illness. I believe that making sure my family and close friends are prepared for such events is one of my duties as a member of the healthcare industry.