As your loved ones age and their health needs change, it can be difficult to know how best to provide the necessary care. At FirstLight Home Care, we understand that long-term care is important in helping maintain quality of life while providing peace of mind for family members.
What is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care helps patients “live as independently and safely as possible when they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own,” according to the National Institute on Aging. Typically, long-term in-home care is provided by unpaid family and friends. This type of care can be anything from light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation to bathing, grooming and eating assistance. HealthCare.gov states that Medicare and other health insurance plans do not provide long-term care insurance because most long-term care isn’t considered medical care. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management provides long-term care insurance under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).
Why Is Long-Term Care Important?
For many seniors who wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible—known as “aging in place”—long-term care is essential for ensuring their safety and comfort. For example, if your loved one has difficulty getting up from a chair without assistance or relies on help with basic grooming tasks like bathing and brushing teeth, they could greatly benefit from having someone come into the home to provide such services on a regular basis. This type of personalized attention helps seniors maintain their independence while also providing peace of mind to family members who may not be able to visit as often as they would like.
Who Needs Long-Term Care
There are many reasons why someone may need caregivers. LongTermCare.gov says that “about 60% of adults will need assistance with things like getting dressed, driving to appointments, or making meals.”
Age
The older a person gets, the more likely they are to need help.
Gender
Women live longer than men, so they have a greater chance of needing care.
Relationship status
People who are single are more likely than married people to need help from friends, family or a hired professional.
Lifestyle
Unhealthy habits, lack of exercise and poor diet can cause someone to need help sooner.
Health
People with a family history of certain health conditions may have an increased need for long-term care.
FirstLight Home Care’s Long-Term Care Services
FirstLight Home Care provides long-term care services to those who need it. Whether or not your loved one has long-term care insurance, we are here to help.
We provide care for those needing extra support with basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Transferring (getting in and out of bed or chair)
- Eating
- Continence
We also provide services for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), including:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Transportation
- Laundry
- Managing Finances
FirstLight Home Care – Long-Term In-Home Care
At FirstLight Home Care, we offer both short-term and long-term solutions tailored specifically to each senior’s unique needs and preferences. Our compassionate caregivers provide everything from respite care and companionship to personal care services—all within the comfort and security of your loved one’s home. If you think your loved one could benefit from our long-term care solutions, please don’t hesitate to reach out today! Our team is always here to help answer any questions you might have about our services or how we can best support your family’s needs going forward.