Talking To Your Loved Ones About Their Care
Advance Preparation
Nearly half of all Americans will need long
term care at some point in their lives. In fact, one in five over
the age of 50 is at a high risk of needing long term care within the
next 12 months. Therefore, planning is crucial if you are to designate
a facility that will be able to provide your loved one, relative or
friend with the highest quality of care and quality of life in a safe
and secure environment. It helps to diminish the feeling of loss
or guilt that some experience, either when entering or placing a loved
one or relative in an assisted living residence or a nursing facility.
In addition, it aids in making the transition less stressful for the
new residents, families and loved ones. Having a conversation about
a person's long term care wishes in advance will be helpful when
the time comes to make more concrete decisions about the daily care
of loved ones or friends who can no longer care for themselves.
Yet, the decision to reside in a long term
care setting can be a difficult one to make. The best scenario is
one where all parties realistically evaluate both the current situation
and how it may change in the short or long term future. Ideally,
being proactive will help everyone arrive at a mutual decision that
is the best solution. The first step in the planning process is
having the conversation about a person's long term care wishes.
This guide provides numerous tips on how to
make this sometimes challenging conversation - and decision - easier.
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