Long-term care options for seniors in 2023 are even broader than nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Now more options are available than ever, which means you can choose the type of care that best suits YOUR needs. Here we will explore the various long-term care options for seniors in 2023.
Home Care
Home care is a popular long-term care option for seniors, and may be the right fit for you as well. It offers you the comfort of staying at home while receiving the care you need. Licensed home care agencies, like Companion at Home provide home care services that usually include:
- Personal care
- Assistance with bathing and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Medication reminders
- Light housekeeping
Home care can be provided part-time or full-time, depending on your individual needs. Seniors who choose home care can often live independently for longer than those who reside in an assisted care facility or nursing home.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities allow seniors to live in a community-based setting that provides daily care and support. Facilities work to meet the unique needs of each resident, which means that if you opt for assisted living, you may benefit from:
- Assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, and eating
- Housekeeping services
- Personal care
- Medication management
- Transportation
- Sense of community and security with 24/7 staff support
Most communities also provide social activities and events to encourage seniors to interact socially with their peers.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes offer skilled nursing care and 24-hour medical attention to seniors who require higher levels of care. Often chosen for seniors with increased medical concerns that need more specialized support than an assisted living facility can provide.
Nursing homes can provide the following:
- Medical care
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Social activities
They are staffed with licensed medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, and therapists. However, they can be expensive, with average monthly costs at about $9,000 per month depending on the specific services provided. Fortunately, Medicaid can pay for some or all of these costs for eligible seniors.
Memory Care Facilities
Memory care facilities are specialized facilities that focus on caring for men and women with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Facilities are staffed with skilled professionals who understand the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and provide a safe and secure environment for seniors.
Services provided in a memory care facility may include:
- Personal care
- Housekeeping
- Medication management
- Memory care activities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Designed to provide care and support throughout the aging process, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) allow seniors to age in place by offering options for:
- Living independently
- Assisted living
- Nursing home care
- All in one location
Although CCRC’s can be expensive, many seniors prefer them because they can move into a CCRC while still in good health and transition to more advanced care as they age. CCRCs also provide a sense of community and social interaction.
Paying for Long-Term Care
Although long-term care can be expensive, there are options available to help pay for the care you need without breaking the bank. Medicare only covers short-term stays in a nursing home or home care services, but Medicaid can cover long-term care costs for eligible seniors with limited income and assets.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Another option to consider is long-term care coverage. These policies cover home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. Policies vary in coverage, so reviewing the policy carefully before purchasing is important.
Long story short, senior care is changing rapidly with more supportive care options available now than ever before! You can choose the type of care that best suits your needs. Whether you choose home care, assisted living, nursing homes or anything in between, getting the care and support you need should be top priority.
For more information about long-term care options, visit Companion Healthcare online or call 405-293-9000. We’re eager to support you in every way we can!
