How We Help McKinney-Area Families with Long-Term Care Planning
Even as we age, it is a goal of ours to remain self-sufficient and enjoy a high standard of living. Planning for the future may be intimidating, though, for many seniors and their loved ones in McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Frisco and surrounding areas in Collin County, TX. Your loved one may be fine with receiving assistance for a few days a week. However, if they develop a chronic health condition, a disability or a cognitive issue like dementia, you may need to consider long-term care. Many questions can arise from long-term care planning, like costs, who should provide care and what level of care your loved one will need.
If you don't know where to start when planning ahead for your loved one's care, Visiting Angels McKinney can help. Since 2008, we've been helping families in Collin County find the right solutions for their loved ones so they can have total peace of mind knowing they're in good hands.
What Families in McKinney and Surrounding Areas Should Understand About Long-Term Care
The phrase "long-term care" refers to a wide variety of services provided to people who need support over a prolonged length of time. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, getting dressed and preparing meals is just one example of the kinds of services that fall under long-term care; others include transportation, medication reminders and light housekeeping.
How Many Seniors Need Long-Term Care?
According to research conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, at least 70 percent of Americans over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. So if you're wondering about your options for your loved one's care, the good news is that many families are looking into options, as well, so you're not alone.
What Are My Options for Long-Term Care in McKinney and Surrounding Areas?
It's common for family caregivers to shoulder the responsibility of providing care for a loved one, and this is one option if your loved one needs long-term care. However, you may find yourself feeling burnt out over time due to how much care you need to provide. You may also not always have the time or knowledge to provide the support your loved one needs. For example, if they start to wander after being diagnosed with dementia, will you always be there to make sure they stay safe? If they develop a chronic illness, will you know how to effectively help them manage their symptoms?
There are two options for seniors who need long-term care, including:
- Residential care: Families who opt for residential care often move a loved one into a nursing home, assisted living facility or memory care facility. About 37 percent of seniors who need long-term care move into a residential care facility. This is a preferable option for seniors who may not be safe living by themselves and don't have the option of moving in with a family member or friend. However, some families in Collin County find that they need to hire a professional caregiver to provide supplemental care as these facilities don't always have the staff needed to provide comprehensive care for seniors.
- Home care: Seniors who need long-term care also have the option of receiving the support they need in their own home. With home care, families hire a professional caregiver to come to a loved one's home and assist them with everyday tasks while also providing companionship and ensuring their safety and well-being. About 65 percent of long-term care recipients receive in-home care. This option is preferable for seniors who wish to remain at home and continue their everyday routine or who have a cognitive condition that can make relocating to new surroundings distressful.
How Much Can Long-Term Care Cost?
The cost of your loved one's care can depend on the type of care you choose, as well as the facility or home care agency. It can also depend on the services your loved one needs, schedule of caregiver visits and many other factors.
Here are the average costs of long-term care in the McKinney area, according to Genworth:
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,500
- Home Care: $4,767
- Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room): $5,171
- Nursing Home Facility (private room): $7,604
How Can I Pay for Long-Term Care?
Since the majority of long-term care options provide assistance with personal care, Medicare and private health insurance cannot be used to pay for these services. Because of this, many families in Collin County pay for care costs out of pocket or use a loved one's assets to cover the expenses. However, this can become expensive over time, especially since most seniors who need long-term care will need this level of care for five years or longer.
Fortunately, there are many long-term care insurance providers in Collin County that offer policies which can make long-term care most budget-friendly. Seniors who have a long-term care insurance policy can have their care expenses covered after paying out of pocket for 30, 60 or 90 days.
If long-term care insurance sounds like the right solution for your loved one, it's important to look into your options as soon as possible. Most companies will deny an applicant over the age of 75 or whoever already has a debilitating condition. It's best to look into your options when your loved one is in their 50s or 60s. The younger your loved one is, the more likely it is that their premiums will be lower.
Here's How Visiting Angels McKinney Can Help with Planning for Long-Term Care at Home
Planning for long-term care is complicated, but Visiting Angels McKinney helps families in Collin County deal with it. To ensure that seniors get the care they need without leaving the familiar surroundings of their homes, our reputable home care agency provides a comprehensive suite of services that can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of each client.
Here are some of the ways that Visiting Angels can help with planning for long-term care:
Personalized Care Plans
Visiting Angels is dedicated to tailoring care plans to the unique needs of each client. We know that everyone has different needs and circumstances, so we work closely with families to make a plan that takes these things into account. Our care plans are also flexible and can be adjusted over time. With in-home care services from Visiting Angels McKinney, you can trust that your loved one will get the assistance and support they truly need for as long as they need it.
Reliable Professional Caregivers
Caregivers at Visiting Angels McKinney are carefully vetted, subjected to thorough background checks and receive in-depth training before joining the team. Since our Angels are well-versed in the home care field and really care about the well-being of seniors in McKinney and surrounding communities, you can be certain that your loved one will get the excellent long-term care they deserve.
Expert Guidance in Long-Term Care Planning
Visiting Angels McKinney does more than just provide excellent in-home care; we are also a great resource for families in Collin County who need help with long-term care planning. In terms of long-term care, our knowledgeable staff can provide advice on a wide range of topics, such as legal and financial considerations, community resources, and help with filing a long-term care insurance claim.
Supporting McKinney-Area Families Every Step of the Way
The process of preparing for long-term care may be challenging for families on both an emotional and a physical level. Visiting Angels McKinney knows this and tries to make the process easier by providing constant support and communication for the families we work with. Our team will keep you updated on a regular basis on your loved one's well-being and provide recommendations. Additionally, you may reach out to our office for answers to your questions and assistance with any problems you're having.
Begin the Long-Term Care Planning Process with Visiting Angels McKinney Today
Long-term care planning helps older adults age gracefully and remain independent. Having a caring and dependable ally like Visiting Angels McKinney at times of uncertainty may make all the difference, giving families comfort and ensuring seniors get the care they need.
If you'd like to get started with home care, we offer free in-home consultations so you can get more information about our services and get started with creating a care plan.
Call our McKinney, TX office at 214-491-1999 or fill out our form to learn more about long-term care planning!