Defining What Is Best Long Term CareA senior bank-accountant who was in her early 40's was talking about her investment in contemporary modern art works with a group of friends when she suddenly segued into a discussion on long term care. Her friends were horrified and said bluntly that they were far too young to talk about long term care services, insurances and what the best long term care facilities were there. In actuality, they were half-wrong in assuming that only older people needed long term care. What most people do not know is that if one were to define what long term care meant, it would mean any kind of set, extended service and assistance for individuals needing this type of service. And these individuals can be of any age, ranging from 8 to 80. Present statistics place a substantial 40% of individuals of working age (35-50) as needing long term care along with stroke victims, 1/3rd of whom are below the age of 65. But what exactly does the term best long term care mean? If one were to go by objectives, the best long term care would mean the immediate and positive likelihood of recovery of the patient. If one were talking about services rendered to the chronically ill or the disabled, the best long term care for these situations would mean at least 80% recovery to the point that such services are no longer needed; psychological as well as physical rehabilitation; cost effectiveness and the quality of services rendered. The best long term care can also be very expensive by use of the operative adjective, "best". A celebrated case such as that of Christopher Reeve, injured from a horse-riding accident and detailed extensively in the media, outline the kind of services available to those who want only the best long term care. His coverage was such that he was able to recover to a certain point that his doctors thought was not possible; make guest appearances over long distances, oftentimes with a complete medical staff and specialized equipment in tow and even direct a movie. But Reeve's case was of course different and certain special allowances may have been made. The best long term care obviously costs money. Depending on where you want to avail of it, the costs vary per state and what kind of services rendered. Most nursing homes will set you back from $45,000 to $60,000 and these are the average ranges. Long term care services at home on the other hand will cost you about $30,000 annually. What one can do if shouldering those bills might be way out your savings is to purchase long term care insurance. Be advised though that such insurances do not pay the medical bills. Long term care insurance only pays for and covers the services rendered for long term care. Medical bills are paid for by Medicare or health insurances. Aging happens to everyone and its consequences like sickness or injury make it necessary and prudent to set something aside for those times. Thinking about long term care, whether one wants the best long term care there is, or something modest should be considered by anyone who is already earning an income. |