Meeting the challenges of long-term care -

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What is long-term care? -

Long-term care is the broad range of personal, social, and medical services provided to people who are unable to perform basic activities of daily living.

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Who needs long-term care? -

Age is the determining factor in whether or not a person requires long-term care. The need generally increases as people get older.

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Women at higher risk -

On average, women are at higher risk than men in requiring assistance later in life, simply because they tend to live longer.

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Marital status -

Elderly single people are more likely than older married couples to reach out for assistance from a professional care provider.

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Unhealthy lifestyle -

Poor diet and aversion to exercise decrease the odds of not having to seek long-term health care.

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Health and family history -

Overall health and family history may determine whether or not a person will need long-term care as they age.

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Age and other factors -

Besides the elderly, those with chronic health conditions or a disability will probably require long-term assistance.

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Scope of long-term care -

Long-term care is provided in different places by different caregivers, depending on a person's needs.

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Keeping it in the family -

Most long-term care is provided at home by unpaid family members and friends. But the need for specialized long-term care will increase significantly for those aged 80 or over.

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Home help -

Long-term care of the needy can be provided by professional care workers in the individual's own home on a daily visit basis. They can check on your overall well-being and undertake general chores.

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Long-term care at home -

An alternative option is to employ a full-time live-in health care assistant. Duties usually include helping to clothe the individual, feeding them, providing transportation, and aiding them in their daily routine.

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Daily living -

Care assistants are on hand to provide help with additional personal priorities, things like grooming and using the toilet.

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Adult day care center -

Alternatively, care can be provided out in the community, for example at an adult day care center.

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Nursing home -

However, many senior citizens choose to outsource full-time, long-term care for the late stages of their lives. In this instance, help is provided in assisted living facilities or a nursing home.

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What is assisted living? -

Assisted living communities give older adults or those with mobility issues personalized care in a residential setting.

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Residential care home -

Also known as residential care, assisted living facilities provide incumbents with full-time personal help, plus medical assistance, in a community environment.

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Life enrichment -

Provisions at assisted living facilities usually include three nutritious meals a day. Services offered number life enrichment programs in individual or group settings.

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Autonomy -

While public areas in a residential care home are shared, for example in the dining hall and lounge, residents enjoy a degree of independence, housed as they are in their own private ensuite apartment, some equipped with kitchenette. TV and Wi-Fi access is standard.

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Opting for a nursing home -

Both nursing homes and residential care homes provide care and support 24 hours a day. Where a nursing home differs is that it's able to provide a higher degree of overall personal and medical management.

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What do nursing homes offer? -

Nursing home residents typically live with more complex health care conditions. These needs are met by a skilled nurse and if necessary a physical or speech therapist.

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Nursing home care -

By definition, nursing homes reflect a clinical environment, still welcoming but more functional. Medical management is more comprehensive. Recreational activities may be limited, or more targeted to individual needs.

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Nursing home accommodation -

Accommodation offered by nursing homes typically feature private or semiprivate rooms that don't include a lounge or kitchen.

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Specialist care -

Some nursing homes offer special programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. In fact, the biggest contributor to senior citizens requiring long-term care is Alzheimer's disease.

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Respiratory care -

Round the clock care and monitoring can extend to those needing respiratory assistance.

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Intensive nursing care -

Intensive nursing care and short-term post-acute care are also medical services provided by residential nursing homes.

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Other reasons for long-term care -

The need for long-term care can arise suddenly, out of an emergency such as a heart attack or stroke.

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Additional care services -

Friendly visitor and senior companion services are usually staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who pay frequent short visits to someone who is frail or living alone. They engage in conversation and encourage light physical activity and mental stimulus.

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Getting out and about -

Senior transportation services provide a means of getting the elderly and infirm out and about. Crucially, they help people get to and from medical appointments, shopping centers, and other places in the community.

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Keep in touch -

Perhaps the best care the elderly can receive is from family and friends. Spending quality time with your elderly parents is priceless. Likewise, kids should treasure the moments with grandpa and grandma while they are still alive.

Sources: (National Institute on Aging) (American Health Care Association) (National Care Association) (Alzheimer's Association)

See also: Here's how to make a home senior friendly

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