Crafting Your Long-term Care Plan
As we get older, it becomes more and more important to have a solid, actionable plan for your long-term care. Although many of us would prefer to be independent indefinitely, the simple fact is that medical needs and physical ability can put you in a place where you need outside help in order to thrive.
Fortunately, there are many different options for long-term care. Here’s some information to get you started.
Start With a Budget
Every plan must start with a budget. Getting a sense of exactly what you can (and can’t) afford puts you in a strong position when it comes to planning. It’s always better to have this information from the jump than it is to try and tweak an existing plan to suit your financial needs.
Remember, you shouldn’t just be looking at savings or retirement income when it comes to figuring out your long-term care budget. Depending on what kind of long-term care you’re interested in, you may have other assets you can put toward your goals.
For example, if you know you want to move into a retirement community or assisted living facility, you can factor the value of your home into the equation. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to get a sense of your full financial picture.
Aging in Place
Many seniors would like to age in place as their long-term plan. This means living in the home until — and unless — it becomes absolutely necessary to be in a medical care facility. This is a great way to maintain independence and continue to cherish the home you’ve created.
In-home care services from Sunlight Senior Care can go a long way toward facilitating this kind of lifestyle. Our in-home care nurses can offer seniors companionship and help them complete daily tasks safely and comfortably. Having someone there to provide relief and assistance can make a big difference for those looking to age in their own home.
Aging in place does require an active and open relationship with your medical team. It’s vital to stay honest with yourself about your needs. Although it might feel counterintuitive, proper support is necessary for maintaining long-term independence, so lean on your community as necessary.
You may need to make some modifications to age in place safely. A walk-in shower, grab bars in the bathroom, added lighting, and non-stick flooring can all limit the risks of staying at home. You also want to make sure your home is secure, so it may be a good idea to invest in locksmith services to ensure that all your locks are in working order. As you search for “locksmiths near my location,” make sure to review customer testimonials to find reputable professionals. Locksmiths in your area should be licensed and insured and offer a warranty on their work.
Moving to a Retirement Community
Although aging in place has plenty of benefits, it’s not right for everyone. For example, if your home isn’t particularly accessible, it may not work for you in the long run. Moreover, aging in place can be lonely if you don’t have a strong social support network.
If these concerns leave you hesitant about aging in place, consider moving to a retirement or assisted living community. These are apartments, condos, and neighborhoods designed with seniors in mind. They’re built to be fully accessible, and often offer community events and activities to facilitate connections between residents.
Depending on your long-term medical needs, you may want to consider a community that offers different care levels. This way, you can move into a space that will continue to suit you as you age and your needs change. Research your options in order to find the community that’s right for you.
If you’re in a senior-only living space that doesn’t have built-in medical care, however, an in-home nurse can be a great solution. This way, you still get all of the benefits of having a community of peers while still receiving the medical support you need to stay well.
Creating a plan for your long-term care might seem intimidating, but it’s well worth it. The peace of mind you’ll receive from knowing you’ve prepped for your future needs can reduce anxiety and make you more excited for your golden years. We hope this article helps you come up with the perfect plan for you!
Looking for an in-home care option you can trust? Schedule an in-home assessment with Sunlight Senior Care today to get started.
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Harry Cline / newcaregiver.org
