As people age, they sometimes realize that they’re no longer able to care for themselves independently like they were when they were younger. Some people may need just a little bit of help through in-home care. In some cases, they may realize that they need to move into a long-term care facility.
There are several options available when it comes to long-term care facilities. Each type of facility covers a different range of services. Understanding the differences in these types of long-term care facilities may help you to make a decision that is in your best interests.
Types of long-term care facilities
Assisted living care facilities are often one of the steps people take when in-home care doesn’t provide enough assistance, but they don’t need to have around-the-clock supervision. Residents of assisted living facilities often need a little help with routine activities. These programs promote independence while offering a system of safety and support.
Nursing homes are a step up from assisted living facilities. These are designed for individuals who need around-the-clock care, often due to complex medical conditions or severely limited mobility. They typically include activities for the residents within the home, as well as meals and medication management.
Some long-term care facilities have memory care units. These are secure units that are meant to provide specialized support for people who have cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. They’re often highly structured and designed to minimize the risk of wandering.
Planning for long-term care needs is something that has to start well before you need to move into a facility. The cost of living at one of these facilities is often considerable, but Medicaid planning may be able to help cover the cost of some long-term care. There are eligibility requirements, and there’s often a five-year look-back for asset transfers that can reduce assistance. Because of this, proper planning is critical.