October is Long-Term Care Planning Month, a perfect time to start thinking about future care for yourself or your loved ones. As people live longer lives, planning ahead is essential to maintaining as much independence as possible, protecting financial security and ensuring access to support when it’s needed most. Taking time to explore your options now can give you peace of mind that your well-being or that of your loved one will be safeguarded.
Assessing Needs and Preferences
According to a University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, fewer than half of people age 50 and older think it is likely they will need long-term care in the future, but according to a report from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, it is estimated that 70% of adults who survive to age 65 will have the need for long-term care services. This is why it is so important to take time to plan for the future.
The first step in long-term care planning in Virginia is assessing your needs and preferences, or those of your loved ones, and the best time to start planning is before the care is needed. You will want to consider these factors:
Health Needs
Take an inventory of current and potential health needs and think about how those needs will be addressed and what level of care will be required. If you or your loved one have a chronic illness how will that be managed? Are their current health issues that might worsen with age?
General Preferences
Have an open, honest conversation with yourself or your loved one about general preferences. What level of independence is desired? Is there a wish to stay in the home or would the preference be to live in a community with social activities and assistance with daily activities?
Understanding Long-Term Care Options in Virginia
Once you have assessed health needs and preferences, you can review the different long-term care options to decide which one might best fit the health needs, preferences and budget of your loved one or yourself.
In-Home Care
For those who wish to remain in their own homes and live as independently as possible, in-home care provides the support and services needed to make this possible. This could include medication management, help with self-care tasks and daily activities like cooking and cleaning or home healthcare services.
Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities
For those requiring a higher level of medical care, or those who are not able to safely remain in their own homes, a skilled nursing or assisted living community in Virginia might be the best choice. Assisted living communities provide around the clock support with medication management, health monitoring, bathing, dressing, and mobility. These communities also provide opportunities for socialization and engagement. Skilled nursing communities provide 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy and care for individuals recovering from illnesses, injuries or surgeries.
Adult Day Care Centers
Adult day care centers provide daytime support for older adults and adults living with disabilities when their caregivers are at work or attending to other responsibilities. In addition to offering peace of mind for families, these centers create an engaging environment where participants can enjoy social interaction, stimulating activities, nutritious meals and even transportation services.
Financial Planning
Long-term care in Virginia can be expensive, and the costs can add up quickly. It’s important to start planning for the financial aspects as early as possible, and to consider what resources may be available to you, such as:
- Long-term care insurance that can provide financial protection in the event long-term care is needed
- Government programs such as Medicaid or Medicare or VA services that may provide some coverage for long-term care
- Personal savings or investments that can be set aside for long-term care
Turn to Trio For Long-Term Care Planning Guidance
At Trio Healthcare, we provide compassionate assisted living services, as well as long-term care in a setting that feels like home. Our residents are like members of our own family, and we treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. We can help you plan for your long-term care needs or those of your loved ones, and we can even assist you in navigating Medicare and Medicaid. Contact Trio Healthcare to learn more.