Better planning, more high-quality, affordable community-based long term care service options, and consumer friendly communities can help seniors remain active, vibrant, and independent. The knowledge you gain from exploring your options can make your life easier, less stressful, and give you more control over your future. Think about the areas of your life that could benefit from additional planning.

Take Action

Begin a Conversation.
People need to address their long term care needs, potential needs, and desires regarding care with spouses, siblings, and children.

 

Learn.
Learn about the different types of long term care available in your area including where, how, and who delivers it.  Inquire about different ways to help finance long term care. 

 

Plan Ahead.
Consider the different legal, residential, community, and personal issues that you may face.  The sooner you educate yourself about long term care issues the better your chance of maintaining choice, independence, and financial security in times of crisis.  This gives you ownership of your options.

 

Share Experiences.
Every day friends and extended family members experience having a loved one who needs long term care.  Other people's experiences can be the best resources for educating yourself.  If it happens in your family, remember that you are not alone; your experience is being shared by many others.

The above information is from the web site of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can visit their website for a copy of the do-it-yourself evaluation "Mapping Your Future Your Way!" or order this at no charge from Care for Elders (to do so, call us at 713-558-6391 or Click Here).

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