For the retiring baby-boomer generation, some type of elderly long term care will likely be required for at least a few years of their lifetime. This issue is currently considered to be in a stage of crisis, but according to a report by Dr. Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of the SCAN Foundation, which focuses on senior issues, it is improving. Aging Americans participating in a national dialogue of elderly long term care has resulted in the U. S. Congress having created a commission tasked with making recommendations and finding potential resolutions to lawmakers regarding elderly long term care options. 

Baby-boomers have more options today than they have had in recent years. One of the most popular options is moving to an independent living community, which is an ideal environment for senior adults who are still ambulatory and able to take care of themselves. An independent elderly long term care community often provides housekeeping services, recreational activities and a wide range of social events as well as built-in safety amenities. Other examples of facilities available for aging seniors are:

• For residents who require professional medical care, a skilled nursing facility may be more appropriate. Many of these facilities also provide short-term rehabilitation for seniors recovering from surgery or other illness. 

• Adult day care services offer a great opportunity for family caregivers who work outside the home, or if they just need a break periodically. These facilities provide seniors with activities and socialization as well as nutritious meals and basic health-care needs.

• A traditional nursing-home can also be an option for elderly long term care. Supportive services are in place to help seniors and their families understand and learn to handle the issues of the aging and caregiving process. They may also assist in locating benefits and resources, managing a loved one’s health care, making funeral arrangements, and estate planning. 

An important benefit of elderly long term care in an assisted-living community is that as the senior’s health deteriorates, services to care for them is already in place if extra care is needed. The resident can start out with a basic apartment and live independently, with services such as cleaning, meals, and transportation taken care of. Additional assistance is provided as needed with dressing, bathing, or walking. 

Choosing elderly long term care for a loved one can be a difficult decision for families to make in this busy and changing world. Some indications that now might be the time are: 

• If your loved one has difficulty staying organized or focused. (Are they getting lost because they can’t remember how to get back home? Are they able to pay their bills and manage their money?)

• Are they keeping up with basic hygiene and personal care?

• Is the condition of their physical health failing? Stroke, falling or other medical issues can lead to impairment which would indicate elderly long term care might be needed.

At Clover Care Home, we strive to provide personalized care services to meet the needs of each individual. We never lose sight of the fact that we have been entrusted with the lives of your loved ones and we are committed to providing the best care that your loved one needs to continue living a dignified and respectful life.

Clover Care Home seeks to embody the individual values of our residents by attending to their physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs. By offering a comprehensive continuum of care, we encourage older adults to experience the fullness of life in a community with dignity, joy and the highest levels of independence their health will allow. 

Call us today at 913-991-2605 to arrange an appointment to discuss your options, or visit us online.