Making the decision to move from your long-time home into a long-term care facility is something that few take lightly, but once the decision is made, most people then spend a good deal of time researching the various residences that are available to them. It is important to know what you are looking for in this type of residence and to compare different properties, their prices, and the accommodations that they offer.
Long Term Care Facilities
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Assisted living – Assisted living is housing for the elderly and disabled that provides nursing care and various levels of care as needed, as well as housekeeping, supervision, recreational activities, and prepared meals.
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Nursing Home – Nursing home is a private Institution with residential accommodations with all levels of healthcare especially for the elderly and chronically ill. Provides all facets of care for daily living.
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Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) – Also called a life care community, this setting has all levels of care from independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term care all in one community and you can stay for the entire continuum of care.
For a legal consultation, call 856-857-6007
Things to Consider When Looking
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Location – The proximity to family, your home, and workplace, as well as friends that can visit, is very important and definitely something to consider.
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Costs – Assisted living facilities and CCRCs require private pay for admission. However, most facilities will accept Medicaid after a period of time. Prior to Medicaid, if you have long-term care insurance or qualify for Veteran’s benefits, you may be able to use this to supplement with private pay.
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Staff – Happy staff equals happy residents! Look to see how the staff’s spirits are. If the staff seems happy then most likely you will find happy residents who are well cared for. In addition, we recommend that you make sure that the staff is licensed and has all of the latest continuing education.
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Activities – Ask for the activity calendar to see what types of activities are offered but, more importantly, ask if they will accommodate your loved one’s specific interests. All communities are required to offer in-room activities, group activities, and special interest activities.
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Food service – Remember that the community is cooking special diets for numerous people, so ask about special accommodations.
Last, all of these communities are regulated by the state and have annual inspections, so you can check their ratings online or ask for their annual survey results at each facility.
Get Help from Bratton’s Life Care Planning Team
Our Life Care Planning team is here to help you every step of the way. Starting with our Elder Care Coordinators, we provide support and guidance when researching and selecting a facility, including standing by your side when touring facilities and being your advocate to ask all the right questions. Then, our attorneys are there to help coordinate resources to pay for long-term care.
With each client, we use our knowledge, experience, resources, and connections in the community to guide you through the decision-making process every step of the way and bring a sense of calm to the storm of frustration that is often felt as families begin their journey through the legal and long-term care system. Contact our compassionate life care planning team today at 856-857-6007.
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