Caring for an aging loved one often involves difficult decisions, including whether additional support or long-term care may be needed. Understanding the signs that indicate a need for long-term care, exploring available care options, and knowing how care may be financed can help families make informed decisions during challenging times.
 

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care typically becomes necessary when an individual experiences ongoing physical, cognitive, or health-related challenges that require regular assistance over an extended period of time.

Long-term care is generally considered when:

1. The condition(s) are chronic – as opposed to care following an injury or accident, recovery from surgery, or while sick.
2. For example, the individual is no longer able to take care of ADL's (Activities of Daily Living such as dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, toileting) and needs assistance on a daily basis.
3. The individual is likely to require care for the rest of their lives.
    

When Might It Be Time to Consider Long-Term Care?

Every situation is unique, but families often begin exploring long-term care options when one or more of the following concerns arise:

• The individual is a danger to themselves or others.
• Self-neglect becomes evident.
• Family caregivers are experiencing significant physical, emotional, or financial strain.
• Incontinence requires ongoing management.
• Sleep disturbances create safety concerns.
• Mobility limitations increase the risk of falls or injury.
• The level of care required becomes overwhelming for family members.
• A caregiver's own health is being negatively affected.
• Recognizing these signs early can help families make proactive decisions and reduce stress during a crisis.

 

Types of Long-Term Care

Long-term care services are available in a variety of settings depending on an individual's needs, preferences, and level of independence.

• Home Care
  Support provided in the individual's home by a home health aide or caregiver.
• Adult Day Care
  Structured programs that provide supervision, activities, and support during daytime hours while allowing individuals to continue living at home.
• Independent Living Communities
  Housing communities designed for older adults who remain largely independent but want access to amenities and social opportunities.
• Assisted Living
  Residential communities that provide help with daily activities while encouraging independence.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
  Facilities that provide 24-hour medical supervision and skilled nursing care.
• Memory Care
  Specialized residential care designed for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions.

 

Paying for Long Term Care

One of the most common misconceptions is that traditional health insurance or Medicare will fully cover long-term care expenses. In most cases, long-term custodial care is not covered.

Creating a Needs Assessment

Before choosing a care setting, it is helpful to assess the individual's current and anticipated needs. 

Evaluate whether assistance is needed with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:

• Eating
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Using the toilet
• Moving to and from a bed or chair
• Managing incontinence

Determine whether any of the following are present:

• A prolonged or chronic illness
• A serious injury or disability
• A cognitive impairment that causes memory loss or disorientation
• A need to manage issues that come with aging

 

Additional Resources and Links

The following organizations provide information, referrals, and support services for older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities:

• Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area
• Capital Area Aging & Disability Resource Center
• Capital Area Rural Transportation System
• Medicare Counseling

For information about these and other services, visit:

www.capcog.org/divisions/area-agency-on-aging/information-referral-assistance/ 

 

Disclaimer

This page offers educational content and links to nonprofit and public service websites selected to support the financial wellbeing of COAERS members. These resources are provided for informational purposes only. COAERS does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, security, or services of any external site. We encourage users to exercise discretion when accessing third-party content. Resources have been curated in accordance with COAERS’ social media policy and exclude for-profit entities, political organizations, labor groups, and individuals or organizations soliciting donations.