Did you know that although only 1/3 of Americans think they will need long term care, 2/3 actually will need it? When planning for retirement, it’s important to make sure you have thought of everything you might need and want in order to ensure you have a happy and healthy life in the years following your retirement.
There are now more options than ever before for Americans needing or wanting senior care. Informal caregivers, home health care, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are all readily available and should be researched by seniors and their families when choosing what is best in terms of long-term care after retirement.
If you wait until a crisis, there’s a good chance you will not have spent enough time looking for the senior care that is best for you. Planning anything important in your life is always a good idea, and long-term care should be no exception.
With costs of long-term care consistently rising, it may also benefit you financially to plan for care in advance.
Long-term care planning before you need it allows you the opportunity to compare different providers and costs, and lets you make a decision based on your experience with more than just one facility. The four main decisions to consider when planning for long-term care are: housing, health, legal, and financial.
Here are a few questions to keep in mind when selecting a long-term care provider:
- What type of housing do I prefer?
- How well-equipped are the staff to care for my health?
- How much does it cost?
- In what city/town/area do I want to live?
- Will I be happy in a group setting?
- How close is the facility to a hospital or medical office?
Make sure to keep your options open and communicate all of your needs to staff members so that you can accurately determine which facility will be best suited for you. If necessary, bring a family member along to ensure that all bases are covered and questions are answered.
Choosing the best residence for care after retirement shouldn’t be a difficult or stressful task. Kenwood Care is Howard County’s premier senior care provider. We understand the importance of long-term care and helping to maintain & improve quality of life for those residing in our assisted living facilities. Contact us today if you are interested in our services or want to learn more about how we can help with this aspect of retirement planning.