Long Term Care Planning Month

​October is Long Term Care Planning Month, bringing awareness for senior citizens and their caretakers or loved ones preparing for the costs of senior healthcare.

​The idea of long-term care may seem far off in the future, but the need for it may come much sooner than you expect, which is why planning in advance is always the best option. 

Planning for potential long-term care when you’re not sure if you or your loved one needs assisted living or memory care may seem daunting and being able to accurately predict the need for care in the future may also feel impossible.

For some, the transition into long term care is inevitable, certain health conditions simply make living on your own far too difficult as these conditions progress.

​For others, the realization that long term care is needed may be harder to determine, especially if your loved one is still quite active and self-sufficient.

Maintaining regular doctor visits to keep up with overall health is the first step for long term care planning.

​Doctor visits can help to keep an eye on health status, stay informed on what potential risk factors have changed, or to let you know if long term care may be in your loved one’s future.

Being knowledgeable on your own or your loved one’s health conditions, and how they may progress, is key to planning for the future.
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There are many needs that may constitute choosing to move into an assisted living or memory care community. Someone who would benefit from assisted living, is a person who needs assistance with activities of daily living or ADLs.

​Examples of ADLs include going to the restroom, bathing, walking, getting dressed, and eating; if you or your loved one need help doing ​any of these or similar activities, then it may be time to discuss the transition into an assisted living facility.
 
Memory care benefits specifically those suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These different forms of memory loss often end up with similar symptoms that lead to needing long term care. Being able to ensure the safety of your loved one is often a leading factor to transitioning to long term care. 

​When you know what to look for, you can more accurately determine whether or not you or your loved one may need long term care. From there, begin saving so you can choose the best option.

Take a look at our financial planning tips for some of the best advice to prepare yourself for the costs of assisted living and memory care.
 
Long term care shouldn’t have to be a burden, discover how you can be living a Life in Harmony™ at Melody Living with our personalized care plans.

Melody Living takes pride in offering one simple monthly service fee and care levels that ensure that residents are only paying for the services that they need.

​Give us a call at 719.960.4005 to schedule a tour of our assisted living and memory care communities and find out more about planning for your loved one’s needs.