There Are Various Options When Chronic Care Is Needed

By Cathy Mercer


Chronic care, also referred to as long-term healthcare, involves numerous services that center on offering help to individuals with illnesses or disabilities of a chronic nature. A patient may only need mild assistance, or the person may be entirely incapacitated. Individuals of all ages can be affected by such handicaps, but many who need help of this type are elderly.

By 2014, it is predicted that over 12 million older Americans will require the aforementioned assistance. For this reason, advance planning is imperative if it appears that one will eventually need help of this type. Discussing long-term healthcare plans with one's family is always a wise course of action for any individual, especially senior citizens. This way, the person's wishes will be carried out when and if he or she becomes disabled or incapacitated.

Such services can be obtained even if one is still living in his or her home. Home healthcare agencies, volunteers, or combination of these options sometimes allow one to remain independent much longer than if he or she was completely without assistance. Other times, it is necessary for one to be placed in a long-term care facility.

Those who have illnesses or disabilities that make it impossible for them to remain at home may he enrolled in adult day care. The latter is a service for those who needs supervision, but can return home when other adults are present to offer assistance if it is needed. Such facilities typically take only a limited number of individuals, so that each person has proper supervision during the time they are at the establishment.

Residential facilities or group dwellings are additional alternatives one may wish to consider when living independently is no longer an option. At such establishments, residents are generally given assistance with their daily living activities. Additionally, if the staff includes a qualified nurse, help with medications is also available. 24-hour employees are present at such facilities, so that each resident has the assistance he or she needs.

Assisted living facilities are somewhat similar to the aforementioned option. They provide personal assistance around the clock as well, but it is also offered on a limited basis. Residents must be mobile in order to be admitted into an assisted living establishment.

Skilled nursing facilities are the best choice for those who cannot live safely in one of the aforementioned communities. Also called nursing homes, such establishments offer a wide range of health services including medical treatment and the administration of medication. Registered nurses are typically on staff at all times, and residents are also offered recreational activities if they are able to participate.

There is a vast array of options in most cases regarding how to pay for such services. For example, a basic medical insurance policy may cover a certain percentage of long-term services. The patient may also qualify for Medicare if he or she has passed a certain age. In some instances, the patient's family pays for such services privately. Anyone who needs chronic care should refrain from making a final decision until all his or her options have been reviewed.




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