Long-Term Care Tips
Real Life, Expert Advice
Helping You Navigate The World of Long-Term Care
Long Term Care Tips
Why Like Glinda?
A nursing home resident I met recently said to me, “You’re like Glinda, you know. The Good Witch!” At first, his comment made me chuckle. Then I got curious. Maybe he was onto something. I asked myself, “what could this Wizard of Oz character and I possibly have in common?” I am magic wandless, don’t dress like her, move or talk like her.
The Wizard of Oz mesmerized me as a kid; any time Glinda appeared I felt such relief, I knew her wisdom and care was exactly what Dorothy & Co. needed to maneuver through a crazy new world. I wondered: did the time I spent listening to, problem-solving with, and advocating for this resident appear to be magic-like to him? I hoped not, but I’m afraid it may have.
Navigating the world of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care services is at best time consuming; it can also be deeply worrisome and challenging for both the older adult in need of care and the family trying to support those efforts. Unfortunately, it’s not a one and done endeavor. The reality is those needs evolve as medical and financial circumstances evolve. Over the years, many families have said to me “I wish I knew then what I know now” or “how is anyone supposed to figure this out?”
Herein, the inspiration for my new blog LIKE GLINDA: An Info and Advice column for the Long Term Care shopper.
Questions?
Questions?
When we train for a profession, we usually seek out a combination of targeted education and real-life experience. In some cases, we’ll be fortunate enough to call a colleague a true mentor- someone who significantly shaped our development and ignited a curiosity and commitment to a particular field.
No doubt, you’ll have questions to ask the admissions director after you’re done taking a tour of the nursing home. If a few questions come to mind over the course of the tour, don’t hesitate to ask them right then and there. In an earlier blog, I advised focusing on your direct observations and sense impressions while taking a nursing home tour and waiting until it’s done to ask questions.
Transitioning from an assisted living facility (ALF) to a skilled nursing facility (SNF)/ nursing home is a significant decision that many families face as their loved ones age and require higher levels of care. Recognizing the time to make this transition is crucial for ensuring quality of life with the appropriate care and assistance. This article delves into the signs indicating when it might be suitable to make this shift, the distinctions in levels of care and the effects on both family members and older adults.
Navigating the costs associated with long term care can be daunting, but being aware of your options and knowing how to access resources can help reduce the worry. This article touches on the various avenues for paying for nursing home care, from utilizing long term care insurance to exploring Medicaid and private pay options.
Choosing a nursing home for long term care requires a great deal of consideration and evaluation. Since you may not have the time or ability to tour all the facilities in your area, it’s important to begin the process by conducting online research and seeking feedback from family and friends, neighbors, and local healthcare providers. From this preliminary research, you may choose a few nursing homes to visit in-person.
It’s important for your parent to receive visits from family and friends when in a nursing home. This is helpful to keep their spirits up and maintain community ties. The frequency of visits can play a significant role in ensuring your loved one feels supported and valued.
