There is No Place like Home for Long-Term Care

There's No Place Like Home

Home is where the heart is, so it's no surprise people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, especially when they are older.

Here are some tips to help you or a loved one stay in your home longer:

November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month
This is a great time to learn about your options if you get sick or injured and how you can help protect your family and finances.

Stay Healthy:
Leading a healthy lifestyle helps lower your chance of injury or illness and helps you recover faster. So, eat well and exercise to keep bones and muscles healthy. Also, see your doctor for regular checkups and preventive care.

Modify Your Home:
Making a few adjustments to your home can make it easier and safer to move around. These can help lower your chance of needing care or be useful if you need a little extra help getting around.

• Build ramps or chair lifts to help you get up and down stairs.
• Add grab bars or non-slip surfaces to make rooms less accident-prone.
• Reorganize furniture and update flooring (like tile, rugs or linoleum) to ensure you have enough room to maneuver and avoid tripping.

Plan for Emergencies:

• You may need to notify emergency personnel if you need help. Get a personal alert system and have a telephone in every room. Also, keep a list of medications and health problems on your refrigerator so people coming into your home can find the information easily.

Get Help:

• Your family will probably pitch in to help, but they may not be able to do everything. Consider having a caregiver heap with your everyday activities or ask your neighbor to run a few errands for you. Also, have someone check in on you regularly and hire housecleaners or order meals on wheels.

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

• Before you get sick or injured, consider your options to help cover the costs of your care. Also, if staying at home isn't an option, do research to see what types of service are available in your area, such as an assisted living facility or a nursing home.

Simplify Your Long-Term Care Financing and Planning with a Long-Term Care Specialist!