Health Care Website and Blog

Did you know that about 70 percent of people over age 65 require some long term care services, and the likelihood of needing care increases as you or your loved one ages? Planning for long term care is not something that most people want to think about. Often, due to the sensitive nature of this subject, people will put off planning of any kind until the last minute when there is not enough time left to properly plan.

We would like to encourage you to plan now so that you are in charge of the situation when the time for long term care comes. With a plan in place, you can have the information you need to make important decisions and make plans for saving sufficient funds or having resources in place to pay for long term care. Planning ahead can put you in control of your future, now. Here are some ideas that you might want to use when developing your care plans.

One of the first things you might consider would be where you plan to retire. Certain communities provide limited services, so it is best to make sure that the retirement community or area where you plan to live provides you access to the health care services that you’ll need. Take the time to research the different types of special conditions services that are available in your community or local care facilities. You’ll also want to know what types of payment is accepted or the costs for services a care facility charges. With this important information in hand, you can find a facility that will work with you. We would also recommend that you do an on site visit at a long term care facility so that you experience the surroundings for yourself.

Another important aspect of your planning might be how to involve your family and friends in your plans. Your family members and friends are a great asset and might have helpful information for you on how to go about making your long term care services plan. We highly recommend that you involve your family or loved ones as this will help them better understand your plans and your wishes for long term care. This also lessens the financial and emotional stress involved when it is time to put the plan into action.

There might be an option for a portion of your long term care to be provided in your own home or in the home of a loved one. Talk to your family or friends who you would want to care for you if you became ill or disabled for a long time. It is important for you and your family to understand how care giving activities can affect all of you and what resources and supports are available.

Another person you’ll want to involve in your long term care plans is your doctor. Your doctor can make lifestyle change recommendations that might decrease the degree of need you will have for long term care services in the future. Your doctor can make recommendations based on your health history and your family medical history as well.

Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, maintaining physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a safe environment, having a social support group, and keeping yourself mentally stimulated and socially engaged. Talking with your doctor now will definitely help you plan for your future.

As you can see, when you plan for your long term care now, you are actually ensuring that you have a greater measure of independence and control over your future. If you would like more information on how to plan for care services, you can find information and resources here at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. If you are a Utah resident who’d like to ask questions about long term care, you may call Millcreek Home Health and Hospice at 801-463-2478 and talk to a professional who might be able to assist you in planning for your own or your loved one’s long term care needs. Now is the time to start planning for your future.

Utah residents can find out more about long term care services, then please visit our web site Millcreek Home Health and Hospice.