Embrace, Prepare and Plan

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Embrace, Prepare and Plan

Aging in America has never been a popular subject. We know it happens, but we never really want to think or talk about it.

When we do, the conversation usually revolves around how to hide the signs of aging instead of how we can embrace and prepare for the next phase of life. Believe me, life can be enjoyed through the end, I’ve seen joyful aging in action. However, education and preparation is pivotal to understanding how to age well and have the best care and quality of life.

For instance, do you know the difference between a Nursing facility (medical model of care), an Assisted Living facility (non-medical model of care, but can provide some healthcare services) and a Personal Care Home (non-medical model of care)? Are you aware that Therapy Services can be provided in your home? Did you know that Home Care, Home Health and Hospice are similar but offer distinctly different services that can be provided anywhere you call home?

As an industry, Long Term Care has not done the best job educating our future consumers on what is available to them as they age. With new technology and a growing older population, the industry is expanding and evolving by leaps and bounds. You need to be proactive, research and plan for the inevitable, not avoid it. The better the research the better the outcome.

Thankfully the days of the “Old Folks Home” are gone, replaced by vibrant senior living communities that focus on hospitality, wellness and aging gracefully with dignity and independence, but you need to make sure the community is the right fit for you. All communities are dynamic and have their own living culture regardless of whether they are owned by a large corporation or a small regional provider. You need to tour, ask questions of residents and staff, and attend a meal and/or activity. The same due diligence applies to researching home care agencies. Research and prepare now. Form a plan. Do not put off for tomorrow, what you need to do today. If you wait until you need the help your options may become significantly limited. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by S. Denny Granahan of Senior Living Consultants of York. He can be reached at denny@SLCYork.com.

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