Compassionate & Neutral Info About Long-Term Care Scarce

Much of what you can find on the internet is info about long-term care from attorneys and insurance agents. However hepful that is when you want to buy LTC insurance and/or set up a trust, it loads the discussion with a pressure not always helpful in a situation when you are trying to figure out how to keep yourself or someone you love comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. LTC services for any one person are unique, requiring careful and neutral discussions about quality of life, daily activities and how you feel about receiving help from others. Too much help at home is overbearing and expensive and caregivers take over the home that is uniquely and peacefully yours. Too little can leave you unsafe; yet you may desire to accept risk. These are delicate and very private discussions; not to be driven solely financial interests. Finances are a large factor in the discussion. But all the more reason to find a neutral party to help sort it all out. Social workers are excellent sources for this sorting out and if you find a geriatrician or gerontologist, you hit the pay dirt of the long-term care process. ASK EVERY QUESTION YOU CAN THINK OF so that the days receiving help from others will be as rich as the life you've had up until now.

Should You Give Up Your Life to Care for An Elderly Parent or Relative?

Not an easy question and no easy answers. Lots of people struggle with this every day. Some find they can arrange for services and supports and still carry on with their own daily life without much disruptions. On the other hand, many take leave from a career or family to provide care at home instead of admit an elderly relative or spouse to a nursing facility. What are the sacrifices and what are the rewards? When do you draw the line and step back into your life? What are the considerations that helped you decide on a good plan.....Or what were the events that made it clear the price was too high?

If Not Nursing Home, What Should Long-Term Care Look Like??

States, consumers, families and advocates alike say they would avoid going to a nursing home. But if you or your loved one needs help with chronic conditions and daily activities, what does that care look like and who should pay for it? How many hours? Who should help? How much should it cost?

Challenges to Home-Based LTC

A number of state and federal initiatives are in progress expanding opportunities to build home and community alternatives to costly nursing facility stays. I invite providers, consumers, family caregivers, personal care givers and anyone else to write about the challenges -- success too, in getting services at home and in the workplace. Focus of this blog is California.