When you have a senior or disabled loved one, it’s only natural to think that the person who can best guarantee their comfort and safety is yourself. The reality of being a family caregiver, however, is often not rose-colored. When you have other responsibilities that also need your time and attention, such as children or work, you could find yourself very hard-pressed to devote your energy to caring for a senior or a family member with a disability. As a result, they may not receive the care and assistance that they truly need, despite your best efforts.
And then, of course, there are the challenges that have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. You now have to be extra careful about transmission when you have at-risk family members at home, so it can be double the battle.
For these reasons, it may be time to explore long-term care—not just for your loved ones’ safety and comfort, but also to alleviate your stress and worries. Here are some of the steps you can take to get started, brought to you by Picket Fence Home Care.
Get to know their available options.
Here’s a fact—there’s no dearth of care and housing options for a senior or disabled family member; it’s just a matter of choosing the right one. It’s a good idea to get to know each one and see how they measure up to your loved ones’ preferences, needs, budget, and more.
No doubt, assisted living is among the most popular options there is. At the most fundamental level, assisted living facilities provide daily living assistance in bathing and meals, as well as offer services like housekeeping, medication management, etc. Some facilities also have engaging activities on the roster to keep seniors physically and mentally active, making it a compelling option for those who need some help, yet still want to retain independence and quality of life.
Assess their real situation.
Of course, much of the decision on long-term care for a loved one in need will hinge heavily on their very specific circumstances. Chief of these are medical conditions, mobility limitations, and even mental health concerns as these will determine the level of care, assistance, and security they’ll need.
Make it a point to find out what type of insurance coverage your loved one has in place. Many seniors mistakenly assume that the cost of senior housing and care is covered by health insurance. Case in point, Medicare may be able to provide coverage for care in a skilled facility, but it all depends on their particular plan. Similarly, Medicaid can also cover some of the same expenses for qualified, low-income seniors, so eligibility needs to be considered.
Provide assistance in making crucial steps.
There are, in fact, other ways to go about paying for care beyond insurance. Many seniors opt to sell their homes at this juncture of their lives. Of course, selling a home in the pandemic is another concern. However, it is possible for your loved one to sell during COVID-19 using technology, so your help will definitely be invaluable in this regard. At present, potential buyers are able to shop for houses through video tours, 3D walkthroughs, and virtual open houses, allowing buyers and sellers to stay safe throughout the process.
You can also help your loved one determine what documents they need to fill out for you to act on their behalf, in the event that they are no longer able to do so. If you haven’t already had this conversation, it’s important to sit down and have it — even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s better to have a living will and to designate a power of attorney sooner rather than later.
Suffice to say, your senior or disabled family member’s safety, wellness, and comfort for the long-term must be the priority. As hard as it can be to let go of performing hands-on care, this could very well be the best next step for everyone.