Making Choices I
Charlisa Moore
LTC 315
Making Choices Guide Part 1
October 21, 2013
Rick Johnson
A Guide for Aging Adults, Their families, and Caregivers
As people get older there will be decisions made by them, their families, or even caregivers. Many aging individuals live in their homes and would want to continue to do so. However, there may be stipulations to them doing this because of their health. There are many factors to consider such as finances, insurance, traditions, and religion that will be important when making a decision on whether an aging adult will be placed in a long-term care facility or will live at home with help from family, friends, or caregiver.
When considering the options for parents, grandparents, or a loved ones in general staying at home or placed in a long-term care facility can be challenging and stressful decision. One has to consider finances as well as insurance benefits to help in making this decision. This is important because if there is not enough income to provide the help needed to get assistance with care, insurance benefits can play a major role on the final decision made when considering the health of that family member. For instance, Medicare will only cover certain items pertaining to long-term care that is decided and based upon the services needed and the health condition of the participant. Long-term care insurance significantly changes the pattern of care utilization by decreasing the use of nursing home care among moderately disable elders while increasing the use of paid home health care that is much cheaper than a nursing home or assisted living facility (Li, n.d.). Culture beliefs, traditions, and religions can play a major role with health care decisions. Many cultures and traditions consist of family members taking care of the elderly adult in the home because of the respect begot by younger family members. This is informal care because family members or friends are
LTC 315
Making Choices Guide Part 1
October 21, 2013
Rick Johnson
A Guide for Aging Adults, Their families, and Caregivers
As people get older there will be decisions made by them, their families, or even caregivers. Many aging individuals live in their homes and would want to continue to do so. However, there may be stipulations to them doing this because of their health. There are many factors to consider such as finances, insurance, traditions, and religion that will be important when making a decision on whether an aging adult will be placed in a long-term care facility or will live at home with help from family, friends, or caregiver.
When considering the options for parents, grandparents, or a loved ones in general staying at home or placed in a long-term care facility can be challenging and stressful decision. One has to consider finances as well as insurance benefits to help in making this decision. This is important because if there is not enough income to provide the help needed to get assistance with care, insurance benefits can play a major role on the final decision made when considering the health of that family member. For instance, Medicare will only cover certain items pertaining to long-term care that is decided and based upon the services needed and the health condition of the participant. Long-term care insurance significantly changes the pattern of care utilization by decreasing the use of nursing home care among moderately disable elders while increasing the use of paid home health care that is much cheaper than a nursing home or assisted living facility (Li, n.d.). Culture beliefs, traditions, and religions can play a major role with health care decisions. Many cultures and traditions consist of family members taking care of the elderly adult in the home because of the respect begot by younger family members. This is informal care because family members or friends are