Start Planning Today

Few people want to think about aging services and long-term care until they absolutely have to. But oftentimes, the consequence of poor planning is a rushed decision or an abrupt placement. Don’t wait until an unexpected illness or injury forces you to consider aging services options.
Crisis planning is not only much more stressful, but it greatly limits choice due to quick hospital discharges and tight availability. Unexpected hospitalizations often force people and their families to make difficult decisions in short periods of time.

Hospital discharge planners work under tight restrictions and have to arrange for patient discharges at a rapid pace. Because of the way Medicare reimbursements work, the hospital stops receiving payment as soon as the doctor clears a patient to leave. So bear in mind that it is in the hospital’s best interest to get you or your loved one out as soon as possible in order to fill your space with a new, paying patient. If you transfer directly out of a hospital, your placement may be determined by what facility has an opening on that particular day.

Keeping options open
The best way to ensure that you will have all options open to you is to begin planning before you need to. Take a look around while you have the freedom to and you will do yourself a tremendous favor. Another advantage to early planning is that it allows you to pursue your options at a pace you are comfortable with. Furthermore, early planning increases the likelihood that you have more of a say in what type of assistance you may receive.

Family and friends can play a key role in planning
The best way to begin the aging services planning process is to open up the conversation with your loved ones. This can be a very difficult thing to do and oftentimes, people put off discussing the sensitive topic.

Choose a quiet, comfortable place to bring it up. Listen carefully to any reservations that are voiced, and make clear that you hear and understand these concerns. Address them in a positive way.
Aging services and long-term care decisions involve more than just you; they affect every one in your life. Giving all involved individuals a chance to voice their preferences and priorities is key (“I want you close by, Mom” or “I want to keep living on my own, but I’d like to be somewhere where meals are provided.”).

Feeling out priorities is actually a good way to begin the conversation in a positive way. Ask yourself or your loved one what are the most important elements of your surroundings—the space where you reside, the daily activities you are able to engage in, the people you interact with, the medical assistance you have available. After determining your priorities, your search for the right facility will be easier and more directed.