The Importance of Planning Ahead for Elderly Care Needs

London, UK, November 3, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​Getting older isn't something most people like to think about. After all, it can have many negative connotations such as becoming frail and infirm, or losing loved ones. However, with careful planning and research, seniors can have a good quality of life in their later years. The key is in planning ahead rather than waiting until an emergency situation arises and then having to rush care plans through.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, by 2050 the number of individuals in the USA needing paid long-term care (either at home, in residential care, with assisted living, or in skilled nursing facilities) is expected to reach 27 million people. That's more than the current total population of Australia so is an enormous issue we should all be aware of.

Given the scale of the impending elderly care issue in the USA planning for elderly care needs should be a part of everyone's life plan.

Prepare With a Clear Mind

It is sensible to prepare for the worst-case scenario so that the right procedures are in place in the event people can no longer make choices for themselves. For example: most people write a will to ensure that when they die their estate is divided amongst those they want to benefit from their assets. Having a care plan means that if a person suffers a life-changing injury or an illness, which inhibits decision-making faculties, there is a plan in place which informs everybody of the person's decisions about later life care.

Financially Prepare

Many people are shocked at how much elderly care costs, whether that is assisted living, live-in care or being a resident in a care home, and so can end up in financial difficulty when at their most vulnerable.

Peace Of Mind for Family Members

The Live-in Care Hub No Place Like Home report showed that 40% of people would not talk to their loved ones about care. Yet being open with family about potential care needs and preferences gives control to seniors about their future and helps ensure their emotional well-being as well as their physical health.

Time To Research

Looking into care early means there is plenty of time to research the different options. There are huge differences between moving into a residential care home, or opting for an assisted living facility or home care. Nobody should make a rushed decision with something so important to health and well-being. Plenty of research and knowledge means informed decisions can be made about the future.

Having Time To Prepare for Change

Change and upheaval can cause distress in later life when people have to suddenly leave all that is familiar and move into a care home. Equally, it may also be that live-in care is a major upheaval and takes time to adjust to.

Making plans early gives time to adjust and go through the process of saying goodbye to an old family home ready for new beginnings. The best care settings can be an opportunity to re-invigorate an elderly person's social life and introduce them to new people and activities, but only if the decision is carefully taken to provide the right care setting.

Source: The Live-In Care Hub