There Are Numerous Options For Those In Need Of Chronic Care

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.

Experts predict that approximately 12 million Americans will need long-term assistance by the year 2014. This is why if it appears that a person will need such help in the future, advance planning is vital. Discussing such eventualities with loved ones is always a good idea for any person, particularly those who are elderly. This way, if the individual becomes incapacitated or disabled, his or her wishes can be carried out by family members.

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 with disabilities or illnesses that make it impractical for them to maintain a safe environment at home are sometimes enrolled at an adult day care establishment. Such services are designed for individuals who need supervision, but can go back to their primary residence when other adults are there to provide help if it becomes necessary. Such establishments usually take only a limited number of people, so that each individual has appropriate supervision when he or she is at the facility.

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.

Nursing homes are the wisest choice for individuals who can no longer live safely in any of the aforementioned environments. Also referred to as skilled nursing facilities, such establishments provide a broad spectrum of assistance including help with medications and medical treatments. In most cases, registered nurses are on staff around the clock, and clients are given the opportunity to participate in recreational activities if they are not physically or mentally limited.

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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