Regardless of where care is received, whether in the patient's home or in a facility, learning new faces and adjusting to new surroundings and routines can be challenging. Be prepared for what to expect and plan ahead to make the transition as easy as possible.
Long-term care at home
Many older adults prefer to stay in their own home as long as they can — a term called "aging in place." The great news is with careful consideration, the assistance of new technology and caregiver roles, more people can remain in their own homes independently as long as possible.
Here are some steps to make the home safer and easier to maintain and move about:
- If stairs are difficult to maneuver, modify a main-floor den or office into a bedroom.
- Move hard-to-reach items to lower, more accessible cabinets and drawers.
- Consider installing a walk-in shower or ADA-compliant grab bars near the tub or shower.
- Add fixtures and/or wireless battery-operated or USB-rechargeable LED lights to increase visibility along steps, under cabinets, in closets and throughout the house.
- Reduce fall hazards by removing area rugs and throw rugs. Only use secure non-skid mats on tile and wood flooring.
- Eliminate any tripping hazards such as outstretched extension cords,landline phone cord, etc., and any furniture or home accessories that obstruct one’s path through a room.
- Take advantage of technology such as medical alert systems with devices that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck; smart plug-ins and devices that allow one to call for help with a voice command from anywhere in the home; and monitoring/surveillance equipment that offers home protection and the ability of loved ones or neighbors to check in remotely if they are unable to reach their aged relative or friend.
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Resources
Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving
Learn More
The National Institute on Aging provides great resources to aging at home.
Resources for you: Medicine Chart
Keeping track of multiple medicines daily can be confusing. A medicine chart can help by reminding you when, how often and what dose of each medication to take, with the option to check off doses once taken. Days-of-the-week pill caddies with "A.M." and "P.M." compartments are also useful. Leaving the lid open after taking a dose provides a visual reminder. Filling the week's compartments on the same day each week (e.g., Sunday) helps maintain the schedule and alerts you when prescriptions need refilling.
American Heart Association: My Medicine
Agency for Heath care Research and Quality
Moving to an LTC Facility
Transitioning to a long-term care facility is a significant life adjustment that likely will be emotionally and mentally challenging.
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Help prepare for the move
- Packing/Downsizing: Extended-care facilities can help provide guidance about the items residents can bring with them. Framed photos, favorite quilts and other reminders of home can provide comfort. Valuables could be misplaced, lost or stolen and might be better off left in a safe place elsewhere.
- Paperwork: Ensure all necessary documents, medical records and personal information are organized and available (as well as copied and stored elsewhere by the person of contact/family member/designated Power of Attorney).
- Emotional preparedness: Recognize that it’s normal to experience a range of feelings during the transition to a new living space and lifestyle. Even if logically one knows it’s a safer, better living arrangement, it doesn't negate feelings of sorrow or homesickness they might experience in their new surroundings.
- Reaching out for guidance and support from family and facility staff can help. Meeting other residents of the facility can broaden one’s social network to others who’ve likely experienced (and learned to overcome) similar feelings.
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When care begins at a new facility, a few things will happen:
- Contracts and paperwork are processed.
- Room setup: The individual and their family members can help set up a new living space, install new equipment and unpack their loved one’s belongings.
- Welcome process: An orientation will acquaint individuals with their new facility’s layout, rules and available services.
- Social engagement: Residents are encouraged to participate in recreational and social events to build relationships with the other residents.
- Medical care and support: Medical professionals and staff will assess one’s health, and an individual support plan will be put in place.
After care begins
With new caregivers and doctors, it can feel uncomfortable speaking up when something isn't right. By clearly communicating your preferences and concerns with caregivers, issues can be readily resolved.
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Communication
- Open dialogue: Maintain clear communication with facility staff about preferences, concerns and health updates.
- Family communication: Stay connected with family and loved ones through phone calls, video chats and in-person visits.
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Regular assessments
- Care plan reviews: Periodic assessments of one’s care plan are important to ensure any changing needs are met.
- Find a health care advocate: Friends, family or a hired helper can serve the role of a health care advocate to help make sure all needs are met. The advocate should be able to get all health care providers in the room to discuss the plan of care. All parties should be brought together and on the same page to avoid medication mix-ups and conflicting plans.
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Family dynamics
While some disputes are the inevitable result of stress and worry, others are manageable and avoidable. Such conflicts can be prevented by providing family and loved ones clear, written directives about one’s desired extended care. Despite all of the best preparations, disagreements may happen. A good strategy is to have conversations ahead of time to help avoid tensions and conflict later. It’s wise for family members to understand with certainty who will serve as power or attorney, where important documents are stored, and what are the strong preferences of their loved one. Though it is difficult to discuss topics like money, legal documents and death, having these conversations early on can help ease conflict later.
At home resources
USAging: Leaders in Aging Well at Home - USAging, a nonprofit organization, advocates for and provides support to organizations that coordinate a range of community services to assist older adults.
Aging Life Care Association (ALC) - ALC can help clients evaluate care providers and facilities, resolve financial and legal issues and provide crisis management services.
National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center - Each state appoints an official to help protect the public’s interest by resolving complaints and investigating substandard care services.
Eldercare Locator - Eldercare Locator helps older adults connect with services in their community.
Next up: Other resources
Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, fiduciary, or investment advice.