Long-term care planning is an important part of everyone’s life. Even when a Texas resident is young and capable of taking care of their own needs, they should begin to think about how they see the rest of their lives playing out in terms of their own independence and financial stability. One of the biggest costs that individuals face at the ends of their lives is for care, whether that is medical, occupational, or residential.
Many men and women want to stay in their homes for as long as possible and avoid entering nursing or residential care facilities. Home care is not without cost, however, and individuals should be aware of the financial and legal aspects of making this path happen. This post provides no advice to readers and is intended to introduce them to home care considerations for them and their loved ones.
What is home care?
Home care is when a person remains in their home but pays for help to come to them as they age. Examples of care that can be brought to one’s home include:
- Food: Meal planning, purchase, and preparation.
- Physical: Help with exercise, movement, grooming, and other physical needs.
- Medical: Prescription administration, physical therapy, and the use and installation of medical devices for the individual.
- Home: Cleaning, organizing, and maintenance on the individual’s residence.
For someone with minimal needs, home care may be a cost-effective way to live independently and save money. However, if a person requires significant help to do all daily tasks and for survival, their needs may be better met in a residential care setting.
Long-term care planning with home care
The costs associated with residential care are incredibly high. Although differences may exist across markets, individuals may expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars every year to live in a residential care facility. While these facilities can provide superlative services, not everyone can afford them without long-term care planning.
An attorney who works in the elder law and long-term care planning fields can help an individual and their family evaluate their needs and options. Long-term care planning can change over time, and a person who wanted to stay in their home may want or need to move to a residential facility later on. Long-term care planning can help negotiate these modifications and improve the end of life experience for seniors.