4 Tips to Start the Conversation With Your Senior About a Move to Long-term Care
Is the senior in your life struggling with their personal tasks or activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, dressing, or meals? Have you seen an increase in their requests for assistance or medical needs? Have you known that the transition to long-term care is appropriate at this time, but haven’t been sure how to begin the conversation? These 6 conversation-starters will help you begin to talk with your senior about the benefits that long-term care provides.
- I know you don’t want to leave your home: Assisted living communities, senior board and lodges, and skilled nursing homes are not what they used to be. In fact, the large majority of seniors who enter long-term care report that they find the medical care, stability, and social structure to increase their health on physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional levels.
- I understand that you need time to get used to the idea: Talking about long-term care options in advance may prevent uncertainty in the future.
- I can’t always be here exactly when you need me: Many seniors often expect family to be able to be present to help at any given moment. However, this is often to not practical, or even possible. Long-term care provides care exactly when a senior needs it.
- I know you worry about the cost: Long-term care can be an affordable option through programs such as Medicaid, minimizing out of pocket costs.
Long-term care facilities work closely with your doctor. If you have questions, contact the facility, your doctor, or even your local county social worker. They can help you through the sometimes confusing process, helping you to know exactly what to expect, and what your options are.