Do you have a long-term care plan in place? As the American population is living longer, there may be a need for you to have a long-term care plan in place. What should you be thinking about when making a long-term care plan? Discussing the plan with your close family members and friends is a good place to start. This allows you to have your wishes known in case something happens when you aren't able to share your thoughts. For example, if you were to have a stroke which left you unable to speak, having a plan in place for such an instance provides your care team with your wishes for care. This also benefits your family as it reduces the burden of having to decide on a course of action during a moment of crisis.
Aging into your late eighties and nineties, brings a different set of potential challenges. Will you need extra help around the house? Will you decide to live in an assisted living facility or nursing home? How will that impact your finances? If you remain living in your current home, does it suit your physical needs? If not, can you make provisions to make it assessible and safe now for future needs? If you remain living at home, will you need assistance from a caregiver and what might that cost you? Many families are stretched beyond their capacity as they are trying to juggle jobs while at the same time caring for family members.
Do you have a family history of medical issues where you need to plan for future medical needs? Do you have health issues now that may worsen during the next few years? What can you do now that might slow down the progression of health needs? For example, strength training with small weights may lead to stronger bones and reduce the potential risks of fractures or breaks if you were to fall. Are you eligible for a Silver Sneakers program through your health insurance?
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-long-term-care This link comes from the National Institute on Aging and asks the question, “What is Long-Term Care?” Included on the link is a short video to view.
Needless to say, having a plan in place before you need it is the best preparation of all. If you would like to discuss ways to enhance aging in place through home modifications at your home, please give Nic a call at 865-637-1735.