The Pros and Cons of a Long Term Care Home
You or a loved one need the specialized care that only a long-term care home can provide. Yet faced with this crucial decision, you find yourself weighing up the pros and cons.
So many things must be considered. What is your budget? What kind of care will the facility provide? What about the other residents? Will your loved one receive the kind of care he or she deserves?
To ensure you make the right decision, you need to perform your due diligence. Here are a few pros and cons to consider.
Read on!
Access to Professional Staff
Long-term care homes provide access to highly trained and experienced healthcare professionals. Professionals are on staff to provide medical attention and assist with daily activities. Certified nursing assistants, physical therapists, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers are available when needed.
Residents have around-the-clock access to the staff. They are up-to-date medical treatments, and therapies are offered as needed. The staff will also provide emotional support and can help residents work through personal issues or concerns.
Other benefits of a focus on the quality of life programs, such as music or art therapy, that can reduce stress, encourage socialization, and provide mental stimulation.
So, if you’re seeking more options for medical care that will work for your loved ones, check out this link for long term care.
Guarantee the Senior’s Safety
Long-term care homes ensure the safety and security of elderly loved ones. Residents can expect onsite security measures, staff being available 24 hours a day, and oversight from nurses and physicians as needed.
Seniors can live in a safe and comfortable home with regular housekeeping and meals and help with their medical and personal needs. These living situations also provide seniors with the ability to form new friendships.
Wide Range of Activities and Therapies
A long-term care home provides a variety of activities and therapies to enhance the quality of life of its residents. Activities and therapies range from recreational day trips, physical and occupational therapy, art programs, crafts, etc.
These activities and therapies are important for residents to stay engaged and can help them to socialize with others. They can provide a sense of purpose and can improve emotional well-being.
These activities and therapies can be tailored to the individual needs of residents. It allows them to enjoy what is most meaningful to them.
Build a Strong Sense of Community
Long-term care homes offer a unique and often rewarding opportunity for individuals and families to come together and create a strong sense of community. Residents develop close relationships with other members of the community, and everyone is seen as an equal. They are often very supportive of each other and share many of the same beliefs and values.
This creates a great sense of belonging and connection. Long-term care homes are restrictive and can limit a resident’s autonomy in certain ways.
Also, the social environment of a long-term care home can be isolating if a resident does not form close connections with others in the community. As such, the sense of community can be a double-edged sword.
The High Cost of Long-Term Care
The cost of long-term care is a major con associated with living in a long-term care home. Many long-term care homes are not covered by insurance. The residents have to pay out of pocket for more services.
The costs of these services can add up if residents exceed their financial resources. They must rely on Medicaid or other sources of help. For seniors on a fixed income, the costs associated with long-term care can be an extreme financial burden.
Long-term care may also need more extensive services than what seniors already receive in their homes through home health services, further increasing the costs. Also, Medicare does not cover all the costs associated with a long-term care home. Private long-term care insurance is expensive and may not be realistic for many seniors.
The Feeling of Loss of Independence
The feeling of loss of independence is one of the common cons of a long-term care home for seniors. Many elderly individuals feel a significant decrease in freedom when they enter a long-term facility. It can lead to frustration, sadness, and even depression.
Family members and friends may be denied access to the resident or be limited in the activities they can take part in. The caregiver-to-resident ratio may not always allow for enough attention to be paid to each resident. This often leads to a sense of feeling neglected or forgotten.
A lack of privacy in a long-term care home can be difficult for many residents. Limited personal possessions and space often cause a sense of disorientation, emphasizing how little control they have over their own lives. For these reasons, it is important to consider the distinct cons that stem from entering a long-term care home.
Lack of Contact With Family and Friends
The benefits of a long-term care home are many; residents can receive 24/7 medical care, access to social activities, and support from care teams. Yet, there is a downside to these homes: the lack of contact with family and friends. It can be hard for residents to get in touch with people from their past, and this feeling of isolation can be particularly acute among seniors who are living in these homes.
With the current pandemic, physical visitors are limited, leaving many residents without the support of family and friends. Not all family members are familiar with technology, which can complicate the ability to keep in touch. This lack of contact can lead to feelings of disorientation and take a significant mental and physical toll on the elderly living in long-term care homes.
Learn More About a Care Home Today
Long-term care homes can improve the quality of life for individuals who need specialized care. Yet, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before committing to a long-term care home.
Researching facility standards and weighing the benefits and drawbacks can help determine if a long-term care home is the best option for your loved one. Talk to your doctor today to learn more!
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Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.
