As people live longer lives, the demand for long-term senior care is growing exponentially. At Blakeford Senior Living, we talk with many people who are interested in senior living options. Here are ten important facts about long-term care for seniors to gain clarity on how it works and make an informed decision when approaching the golden years.
1. The Most Common Type of Long-Term Care Facility
The most common type of long-term care is personal care. It entails help with everyday activities, also called Activities of Daily Living. These include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around — for example, getting out of bed and into a chair. Long-term care also includes community services such as meals, adult day care, and transportation.
2. The Individuals Who Need Long-Term Care
People often need long-term care when they have a serious, ongoing health condition or disability. The need for long-term care can arise suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke. Most often, however, it develops gradually as people get older and frailer or as an illness or disability worsens.
3. The Three Main Types of Long-Term Care Facilities
There are four main types of long-term care facilities for the elderly. These are independent living facilities, assisted living communities, nursing homes. The difference between these types of facilities is based on how much care and supervision an individual needs.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
What could be deemed as a fourth type, a CCRC is a community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, allowing residents to transition care levels as needed.
4. The Difference Between Long-Term Care and a Nursing Home
When people hear the term long-term care it’s often misinterpreted to mean a senior is very ill and can’t take care of themselves. But that’s not the case. Long term care refers to help with activities of daily life while someone in a nursing home requires around the clock medical and personal care that’s more extensive than than can be provided in assisted living or in their homes.
5. Accreditation to Look For in a Long-Term Care Facilities
Accreditation is important to consider because it can assure you that a senior care facility meets requirements set by State and Federal agencies and operates within industry standards. In February of 2014, Blakeford at Green Hills earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities – Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. Less than 10 percent of residential and home care organizations have achieved this high standard of quality. Blakeford is one of fewer than 200 Life Plan Communities in the country to have achieved this designation and currently the only accredited provider in the Middle Tennessee area.
6. Transitioning From Assisted Living to Long-Term Care
When residents’ needs change, transitioning to a different level of care is seamless at Blakeford. We are a Continuing Retirement Community (also known as a Life Plan Community) that provides Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. As our senior’s needs evolve, you can be assured you’ll receive the best care in a safe environment at every level.
7. The Benefits of Long-Term Care
Long-term care involves a variety of services designed to meet seniors’ health or personal care needs during a short or long period of time. These services help people live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own.
8. Flexibility in Costs With Long-Term Care Plans
Blakeford’s LiveWell program offers several different plans (Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Sterling are the most popular) and coverage amounts. If you are interested in discussing which plan is best for you, we would be happy to review plans and pricing and provide you with a specific quote on the recommended plan for you.
9. Long-Term Care Provided at Home
Blakeford At Home is a custom, fee-for-service program that offers care to you and your family at home. Licensed by the State of Tennessee as a Personal Support Services Agency, our caregivers are trained to assist with personal care, light housekeeping, light meal preparation, medication reminders and transportation to appointments. We can also assist with non-medical duties including activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.
10. Many Seniors Will Need Long-Term Care For Longer Than Five Years
Some seniors may not need long-term care, although 20% of seniors over the age of 65 will need long-term care for longer than five years. This makes finding the right care provider for you or your senior loved one critical.
Experienced and Compassionate Senior Living with Blakeford
Our expert care team can provide a complimentary consultation for you or your loved one that includes a comprehensive needs assessment, and a care plan outlines specific requirements. We can show you why Blakeford Senior Living is a perfect fit for seniors no matter what level of care they need.
If you have questions about how long-term care at Blakeford Senior Living will benefit you or a beloved senior, contact us today to learn more about the premium level of services and amenities we offer our residents.