Did you know it is estimated that individuals turning 65 today could need up to 3 years of care services, with almost 2 years of that care provided at home? As the likelihood of needing either home health or hospice care services increases, you and your loved ones may want to consider putting a long term care plan into writing. Aging and planning for the end of one’s years may not be a “fun” topic, however it is a part of life that requires special consideration and planning sooner rather than later.

Now is the time for you to make your own long term care plans or plan for a loved one who will need care in the near future. If you start making plans now, you will have the time needed to gather information about what is available to you as well as making a plan for the necessary funds and resources to pay for your long term care. Here are some aspects of care service planning that you might want to consider.

One of your first steps to planning might be to investigate what types of service options are available in your community or the community in which you plan to retire. You may also be able to research the types of special conditions services that are available at different facilities, what those services cost and what types of payment the facility accepts. With all of that information in place, you may also want to visit the workers at the care facility of your choice. We’d also advise that you meet the administration staff of any home health care provider you might choose. This will give you an idea of the type of people who’d be watching over you or your loved one.

Another important aspect of your planning might be how to involve your family and friends in your plans. Your family members and friends are a great asset and might have helpful information for you on how to go about making your long term care services plan. We highly recommend that you involve your family or loved ones as this will help them better understand your plans and your wishes for long term care. This also lessens the financial and emotional stress involved when it is time to put the plan into action.

When loved ones are involved in your care plans, they might suggest the option of receiving care in the comfort of your own home or in their home as well. You may want to explore the option of home care and decide who you’d want to take care of you if you became seriously ill or disabled in the future. Once that decision has been made, you may want to find out what resources and supports would be available together.

Another aspect of your planning is whether or not you may develop health conditions in the future. You can consult with your doctor on this. Your doctor will ask you about your family medical history, your personal medical history as well as lifestyle choices that could affect your health. Your doctor will most likely make recommend lifestyle changes that could cut down on your risk level and potentially the degree of long term care you might need.

When you visit with your doctor, he or she might recommend lifestyle changes as a way to prevent the need for serious long term care services in the future. Your doctor might recommend that you continue to exercise, eat a healthy diet, quit smoking, keep yourself socially engaged and mentally stimulated, as well as maintain a safe living environment. As you can see, talking with your doctor now can help you as you make plans for your future.

Now that we’ve given you some ideas on things you’ll need to consider in your long term care plans, we hope you’ll take your first step and begin today. If you want more information and resources for long term care plans, you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. If you live in Utah, you may call Millcreek Home Health and Hospice at 801-463-2478 and talk to a professional who might be able to assist you in planning for your own or your loved one’s long term care needs. No matter what you choose to do, please start planning now.

Learn more about Millcreek Home Health and Hospice here.