Steps in Choosing Long Term Care

With the continuous rise in long term care insurance costs, people should plan this accordingly and choose the kind of long term care they think will be appropriate for their situation in the future. Most people have no idea how to go about this and that's why Medicare provides interested parties with all the information they need in order to have a comfortable and secured future. Here are the steps in choosing long term care:

1. Assessing your Needs

Will You Need Help with These Daily Living Activities?

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Eating 
• Toileting
• Getting in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair

Will You Need Additional Help in These Activities?

• Shopping
• Preparing Meals
• Going to Medical Appointments
• Household Chores
• Using the Telephone

Will You Need The Following Care?

• Medication Management
• Monitoring your Diabetes
• Getting Oxygen
• Taking Care of Catheters

2. Researching Facilities

There are many types of long term care and living choices for older people. Check out your options first. Find out more about assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other senior care communities before you make a choice.

3. Finding What is Right for You

You can ask recommendations from friends who have already tried this certain facility or you can simply ask your local long term care ombudsman to give you information regarding the facilities you are interested in.

4. Visiting Facilities

It is important to visit facilities first before you make a decision. Don't be shy in asking questions or if you have things you need to clarify. In order to help you, these are some of the questions you can answer after visiting a facility:

• Did they listen to me and make me feel comfortable?
• Did I ask all my questions?
• Did they give me answers that satisfied me?
• Are the employees helpful and respectful?
• Does the facility meet my needs?
• Is the facility clean?
• Can I afford the facility?