There are many options for long-term senior care. Below is a chart that compares the costs and types of care offered by different settings. In addition to a nursing home, there are also home care and hospice services available. No matter what type of care is offered, senior citizens should be provided with the best possible care. In this article, we'll review the basics of each type and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Home care
In-home care for the elderly is a common service provided by family members, volunteers, and paid professionals. You can get help shopping or managing your daily life with home health care services. Medicare covers some in-home care such as skilled nursing. Some private health insurance policies also cover some forms of in-home care, including hospice care. In-home healthcare is a good choice when the elderly require additional assistance in their daily activities but do not require additional medical services.
Medicare and Medicaid don't cover all costs for in-home care. Non-Medicaid programs can provide support services to caregivers not paid. Prescription assistance programs provide financial support for long-term healthcare. The Older Americans Act provides support services for the elderly. For more information on these services, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. If you need long-term care, Medicare doesn't cover it.
Nursing homes
Nursing home care may be required for older people due to the natural aging process as well as disease or progression of dementia. A nursing home has many advantages. They offer supervised exercise, physical therapy, and meals. Assisted living facilities offer a variety of meal options and kitchenettes for residents. Meals are prepared by dieticians and served in private rooms or communal dining rooms.
Your state may have different admission criteria. It is important to find out what the requirements are before you make a choice about a nursing house. Residents must have a medical condition that is serious and requires long-term care. This must be documented by a doctor. Although the requirements are different for each state, the Centers for Medicare or Medicaid Services requires that states follow some guidelines. They also allow for flexibility for creating their own assessments within CMS rules.
Hospice care
Hospice care can be an excellent option for someone you love, whether they are dealing with advanced illness or terminal conditions. A team of health care professionals, including a hospice nurse, is dedicated to their patient's care. They are available 24/7. One hospice nurse might be present with the patient between 8am and 8pm, while another family member may spend the night with them. Hospice care can be comforting and calming for elderly residents in nursing homes.
Although hospice care is associated with the end-of-a patient's life it can also be an option for patients with severe conditions. Patients with terminal illnesses are allowed to stay up to six months. However, hospice care is not permanent. Hospice care may be the best choice for patients who have been diagnosed with kidney disease. They may opt to leave hospice care if their condition improves.