The services and assistance provided to those with chronic disabilities or illnesses fall under the umbrella of long-term healthcare, also called chronic care. Some individuals need only mild assistance, while others are handicapped to such an extent that they are completely incapacitated. Many individuals who need such assistance are elderly, although negative health circumstances can affect one's mobility regardless of his or her age.
Experts predict that approximately 12 million Americans will need long-term assistance by the year 2014. This is why if it appears that a person will need such help in the future, advance planning is vital. Discussing such eventualities with loved ones is always a good idea for any person, particularly those who are elderly. This way, if the individual becomes incapacitated or disabled, his or her wishes can be carried out by family members.
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.
The most appropriate choice for individuals who cannot live in one of the aforementioned communities safely is a skilled nursing facility. Also referred to as a nursing home, an establishment of this type offers a broad range of medical services, including various treatments and medication administration. Registered nurses are on staff continuously, and those living there are given the option of participating in group activities if their situation allows.
There is a vast array of options in most cases regarding how to pay for such services. For example, a basic medical insurance policy may cover a certain percentage of long-term services. The patient may also qualify for Medicare if he or she has passed a certain age. In some instances, the patient's family pays for such services privately. Anyone who needs chronic care should refrain from making a final decision until all his or her options have been reviewed.
Experts predict that approximately 12 million Americans will need long-term assistance by the year 2014. This is why if it appears that a person will need such help in the future, advance planning is vital. Discussing such eventualities with loved ones is always a good idea for any person, particularly those who are elderly. This way, if the individual becomes incapacitated or disabled, his or her wishes can be carried out by family members.
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.
The most appropriate choice for individuals who cannot live in one of the aforementioned communities safely is a skilled nursing facility. Also referred to as a nursing home, an establishment of this type offers a broad range of medical services, including various treatments and medication administration. Registered nurses are on staff continuously, and those living there are given the option of participating in group activities if their situation allows.
There is a vast array of options in most cases regarding how to pay for such services. For example, a basic medical insurance policy may cover a certain percentage of long-term services. The patient may also qualify for Medicare if he or she has passed a certain age. In some instances, the patient's family pays for such services privately. Anyone who needs chronic care should refrain from making a final decision until all his or her options have been reviewed.
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