Aging And Long Term Care Go TogetherA divorced and retired construction manager living with an unmarried son always took pride in his healthy habits and of a disciplined regimen of exercise and fitness carried over from his 40 years in the construction business. But 73 years old was 73 years old, and without warning, he was crippled with debilitating arthritis complicated with a prostate condition that often left him almost paralyzed with pain. His son did his best to provide adequate home-care, but it was clear to both of them, that professional help was needed. This scenario illustrates why aging and long term care are important if not urgent considerations for citizens who pass their 65th birthday. Aging and long term care considerations are now urgent in the light of present statistics placing the nation's elderly as now comprising almost 13% of the total population. Of this number, a significant number, well over half the current figures are senior citizens over the 85 year mark. This segment of the population cannot even take care of them fully and make it necessary for some kind of assistance for even everyday tasks such as bathing, toileting and eating. At this point, what is important to do is to be able to assess accurately the needs of the elderly and see if present resources are adequate. Aging and long term care questions such as the necessity of hiring a caregiver or putting the elderly in a health care facility should be addressed. Technically, a caregiver can be a relative, a friend or even one's spouse, but aging and long term care considerations such as chronic disability and illness, may limit the capacity of what a caregiver can provide if he or she happens to be an immediate family member. Most families who utilize a family member as a caregiver must consider that family member's career options and experience in adequately accomplishing the tasks needed to be done. Outside caregivers can be hired if there is not anyone available among immediate family members. The fees range to fit any budget and one can normally source referrals from health care facilities or online sites. Aging and long term care can also consider formal health care facilities to house and provide full care for the elderly. The advantages of long term care facilities of course are numerous. It functions as a home that does not only provide needed medical and everyday care, but also a stimulating environment where senior citizens can interact with their peers. There are certain so-called retirement enclaves that function as semi-health care facilities where senior citizens do not have to wait for inevitable disability, but get on with their lives in a productive and pleasurable way. Along with golf-courses, spas and art classes, such enclaves offer 24/7 health care as well. In this regard, aging and long term care should also consider financial costs. The stark reality of aging and retirement is that to live out the rest of your years well, you must have the necessary and adequate means to accomplish it. |