When Chronic Care Is Needed There Are Numerous Options Available

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 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.

Group homes or residential establishments are additional alternatives one has when living independently is no longer realistic. Those who live at such homes are usually offered assistance with daily living activities, and the administration of medications, although the latter is only available if a nurse is employed by the home. A 24-hour staff is available to assist residents of such establishments.

Another similar option is an assisted living facility. Such establishments offer personal help around the clock as well; however, it is provided on a limited basis. Those living in the home must be able to walk without assistance in order to reside there permanently.

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.

With regard to payment for such services, individuals have a variety of options in many cases. For example, a standard health insurance policy may include benefits for long-term care. An individual may also qualify for Medicare if he or she is of the appropriate age. In certain cases, such services are paid for privately by the patient's family. Anyone in need of chronic care should review all his or her options prior to making a final decision.




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