If you aren’t with your elderly loved one on an everyday basis, it can be hard to determine if he or she is functioning well without the support of long term care. It’s important to make sure that all needs are met so that your loved one is safe and happy. Take a look at the following information to better determine your loved one’s level of care needs. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss long term care options, contact an estate planning attorney.
As loved ones continue to age, physical and mental health tends to deteriorate. The next time you visit your loved one, consider the following:
- Is your loved one able to get around the home? Does your loved one fall?
- Is your loved one remembering medical needs such as daily medication needs and regular doctor exams?
- Is he or she still able to cook and clean? How does the house look and feel?
- Is your loved one afraid to ask for assistance or embarrassed to have visitors?
- Does your loved one have increasing health and medical concerns?
- Is he or she unable to leave the home?
- Is your loved one lonely or depressed? What’s his or her social life like?
These are all issues to consider. While your loved one may not be ready for full-time long term care out of the home, such as a nursing home, he or she may still have needs that can be met with support. Home care and assisted living facilities both provide long term care support, while your loved one maintains a high level of independence.
If you’d like help choosing the right level of long term care or discussing long term care with your loved one, consult with qualified estate planning attorney.
Michael Robinson, Estate Planning Attorney
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