Three Guidelines For Finding Your Elderly Loved One Long-Term Care

If you have an elderly loved one, it's critically important that you find the best care for them -- especially if they have disabilities or medical needs. There are a number of nursing homes and long term care options in your area that you can search to find one that suits the needs and sensibilities of your elderly loved one. This guide will teach you how to find the right long term care situation, understand your options and get an idea of how much it'll cost. With that in mind, read this article to learn more. 

Learn The Different Types Of Long-Term Care

Understanding the options available for long-term care will help you make the right decision. An independent living community is one that provides supervision when necessary, but allows your loved one to have full reign over every decision they make. This is for elderly people who have all their mental capacities and major physical function intact. An assisted living facility is one that gives freedom in the form of an individual apartment, while providing services on-site. A residential care facility is one for people who need a lot more attention and who have more serious medical issues. Nursing homes take care of patients that have incredible limitations and may include rehabilitation and social time.

Weigh Your Options As You Shop Around

Once you decide what type of long-term care solution your loved one needs, it is important to begin the process of finding the right one. You should first speak openly with your loved one and their physician, in order to get an honest assessment of their needs. From here, you will want to look into the financial situation, to see whether Medicare or Medicaid will cover these homes — and if so, for what amount? Also make personal visits to the potential long-term care facility yourself, to be sure that they make cleanliness and safety the top priority.

Get An Idea Of The Cost

When you're ready to sign a lease, price will likely be a major deciding factor. Nursing home costs average a little more than $6000 per month, while those that offer private rooms are closer to $7000 per month. An assisted living facility suite would cost approximately $3300. Search for the best prices for your loved one so that you can make a sound decision.

For more information, talk to a professional like Alternative Nursing Services.