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There Are Numerous Options For Those In Need Of Chronic Care

| Wednesday, 14 August 2013
By Cathy Mercer


Chronic care, also referred to as long-term healthcare, involves numerous services that center on offering help to individuals with illnesses or disabilities of a chronic nature. A patient may only need mild assistance, or the person may be entirely incapacitated. Individuals of all ages can be affected by such handicaps, but many who need help of this type are elderly.

It is predicted by experts that by the year 2014, more than twelve million American senior citizens will need the type of assistance mentioned above. This is why it is vital to plan for such help in advance if one anticipates that it will eventually be needed. Speaking to one's family about long-term health care plans is in the best interest of essentially every individual, particularly the elderly. This way, the patient's wishes will be carried out if and when he or she becomes incapacitated or disabled.

Services of this kind are sometimes necessary even if the person still resides at home. Home health aides, volunteers, or services from both avenues may allow an individual to keep his or her independence longer than if the person had no assistance at all. In other cases, the patient has no alternative but to enter a long-term care facility.

Those who have illnesses or disabilities that make it impossible for them to remain at home may he enrolled in adult day care. The latter is a service for those who needs supervision, but can return home when other adults are present to offer assistance if it is needed. Such facilities typically take only a limited number of individuals, so that each person has proper supervision during the time they are at the establishment.

Group homes or residential establishments are additional alternatives one has when living independently is no longer realistic. Those who live at such homes are usually offered assistance with daily living activities, and the administration of medications, although the latter is only available if a nurse is employed by the home. A 24-hour staff is available to assist residents of such establishments.

Assisted living facilities are somewhat similar to the aforementioned option. They provide personal assistance around the clock as well, but it is also offered on a limited basis. Residents must be mobile in order to be admitted into an assisted living establishment.

Skilled nursing facilities are the best choice for those who cannot live safely in one of the aforementioned communities. Also called nursing homes, such establishments offer a wide range of health services including medical treatment and the administration of medication. Registered nurses are typically on staff at all times, and residents are also offered recreational activities if they are able to participate.

Regarding payment for services of this type, clients have various alternatives in most instances. For example, if the person has reached the appropriate age, he or she may qualify for Medicare. The person may also have a medical insurance policy that includes long-term care benefits. In some instances, services of this kind are paid for by the patient's family, which is referred to as private-pay. Those in need of chronic care should consider all their alternatives before a final decision is made.




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