Learning Your Long Term Care Options
None of us want to think about a time when we might not be able to care for ourselves. Yet debilitating illness and accidents can happen at any time. Since we never know what the future holds, it’s wise to learn about long term care before we may need it.
A smart first step is to understand what “long-term care” really means. By definition, long term care is a combination of support services, both medical and non-medical, that assists individuals who are unable to take care of themselves due to prolonged illness or disability.
Long term care can be provided in a variety of settings and can cover a range of services from personal to skilled care. For example, “assisted living” is often available in apartment-like settings; it benefits individuals who are medically stable but need monitoring and help with personal care (such as bathing and grooming) as well as supervision of medications and meals. “Skilled nursing” is meant for individuals who need 24-hour medical care. This highest level of care is provided in skilled nursing facilities, commonly known as nursing homes.
If you are having difficulties meeting basic needs at home, you may want to take a closer look at your long term care options. To help determine which level of care is right for you, contact your local NY Connects partner for a free assessment. In Broome County, call CASA at 778-2420.
If you have questions related to care you’re already receiving in a long term care setting, ask to meet with a Long Term Care Ombudsman. In Broome & Delaware Counties, call Action for Older Persons at 722-1251.
An Ombudsman is a trained, NYS-certified volunteer who makes sure the voices of residents in adult care, assisted living, and skilled nursing homes are heard. An Ombudsman does not work for the long term care facility. He or she advocates for the residents who live there; the Ombudsman helps resolve concerns about residents’ rights and care, finances, food and medical services, and personal matters.
Navigating your choices can be a daunting task, but simply having a basic knowledge of long term care and the vital services of a Long Term Care Ombudsman move you two steps closer to a prepared-for future.
Posted: 10/1/2009 7:00 am
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