An elderly long term care facility in Kansas City can be a good thing when aging adults are either no longer able to care for themselves or if they just want to downsize. Many whose spouse has passed away or whose children are grown and away from home no longer see any reason to stay in the large family home. Most often, however, someone will require long term care for health related reasons.

Long-term elderly care encompasses a wide range of medical and support services provided to aging adults over an extended period of time. A projected seven out of ten people over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care services in their lifetime.

The need for elderly long term care can be sudden, such as following a stroke or heart attack, but in most cases it is a gradual development as a person ages and becomes frail or suffers a chronic illness or disease.

Top 5 Reasons For Elderly Long Term Care are:

1. Rehabilitation after hospitalization
2. Recovery from injury or illness
3. Chronic medical conditions
4. Cognitive impairment
5. End of life medical services

Long-term care services fall into two categories – personal care and skilled nursing care. Personal care is assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include all the normal activities of living at home – help with getting dressed, meal preparation, personal hygiene, errands and transportation needs.

Skilled elderly long term care involves the services of licensed professionals in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and medication management. Nursing care monitors a person’s health and vital signs. Physical therapy provides therapy sessions which usually address the need to increase mobility and strength. The primary focus of occupational therapy is to improve ADLs. Medication management monitors prescription medication and daily dosing.

Planning Ahead
It’s never too early to begin thinking about long-term care in Kansas City and how to pay for it. You may have funding options that are better than relying on Medicare or Medicaid to cover long-term care. Talking to an insurance agent, a financial planner or an elder law attorney can help you decide on what works best in your given situation. Others who can offer advice are your physician, social worker or a person-centered counselor. Making sure you are informed ensures you will make the best choice when it comes time for elderly long term care.

Don’t wait to discuss plans for care with your family. Talk about healthcare needs and wants, finances and end of life. When an injury or illness such as dementia strikes, it may be too late to make your wishes known. Make sure your family knows what your wishes are before something happens.

How to Choose an Elderly Long-Term-Care Facility

Determine what is needed. Before you select a facility, you must know what you or your loved one needs in terms of care. Do you have a plan in place to pay for care? Most elderly long-term care isn’t medical in nature, it’s personal care and may not be covered by your insurance. Skilled nursing care and memory care is more expensive, but it’s more comprehensive as well, especially since 24-hour supervised care is required.

Find out which memory care facilities are available in your Kansas City neighborhood and if there are waiting lists. Make sure they provide the specific type of care that you or your loved one needs. Visit prospective facilities. Call and arrange to meet with them to discuss your options. Prepare a list of questions and concerns in advance that address health needs, logistical needs, the frequency of care, etc.

We are proud that in Kansas City, many elderly people turn to Clover Care Home for memory care. Senior adults can have a very rewarding life here. We encourage older adults to experience the fullness of life in the community with dignity, joy and the highest levels of independence their health will allow. Call 913-991-2605 if you are looking for a long term home for yourself or a loved one.