The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care

This year, the average American will live to be 79 years old. Three decades ago, the average American lived to be 68 years old. This extra decade of life may seem like a windfall, but as today’s seniors continue to live longer lives, many of them are facing frequently rising long-term care costs. In Connecticut alone, the median yearly fee for a senior to receive home healthcare is approximately $52,000. In addition to often prohibitive expenses, home healthcare can leave an older adult isolated in his or her house.

What are the alternatives to such costly care?

Most people are familiar with the idea of a “nursing home.” While Medicare insures people 65 years of age and older, it won’t cover long-term care. So seniors requiring long-term care coverage must qualify for Medicaid, which covers only a portion of residents’ nursing home fees.

A Smarter Long-Term Care Option

Fortunately, there’s a senior living solution that offers personal and financial protection throughout the aging process. It’s called a Life Plan Community – also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC.

What exactly is a Life Plan Community?

A Life Plan Community is an all-inclusive, tiered approach to aging well. Residents typically move in while still active and independent. Then, if ever needed, the community offers access to a continuum of long-term care available on the same campus – often under the same roof. Levels of living include assisted living and skilled nursing, with short-term rehabilitation services and long-term nursing available. These settings are senior-friendly and fulfilling. Residents frequently thrive, as the lifestyle is often designed with wellness programs, social engagement and life-easing services and amenities – like on-campus fitness centers and lifelong learning opportunities.

Life Plan Communities also offer full-service dining areas, a major benefit to seniors who otherwise may not have received nutritious, daily meals. Residents in these communities find fresh, well-balanced menus, served by an executive chef and culinary staff. Seniors who develop healthy eating habits enjoy lower risks of obesity, heart disease and certain cancers.

For seniors in the Redding area, a Life Plan Community is more than just a convenient, cost-effective alternative to expensive in-home health services. It’s a friendly, welcoming setting in which to begin a new chapter of life.

Am I ready to consider a Life Plan Community?

Choosing a Life Plan Community is a big decision, one that should be based several factors including your current living arrangements, financial situation and long-term goals for yourself. Here are a few other questions to consider, such as:

• Am I worried about being a burden to family or friends?
  • Residents often state that moving to a Life Plan Community was a gift to their adult children. Their families can rest easy, knowing Mom and Dad are secure and have a safe neighborhood to call their own.
  • Will I be able to continue enjoying a rewarding and social lifestyle in my own house?
    • Isolation is a risk of aging. At a Life Plan Community, activities are organized by both the community and the residents. Friendships among neighbors form based on shared experiences and interests. Spending time alone is always an option, but never a necessity.
  • Has home maintenance become more difficult than it used to be?
    • A Life Plan Community takes care of upkeep, inside and out. On-campus staff will handle maintenance, installations and repairs. Also, yardwork, landscaping and snow removal are the responsibilities of the community, not the residents.
  • Do I feel safe in my home and in my neighborhood?
    • A Life Plan Community is typically staffed with round-the-clock security. Often communities are gated to manage who enters. Staff will know your name and will protect your residence while you’re out for the day or traveling.

Seniors often wonder what lies ahead. What will happen to their families? Their estates? Their health? These concerns may, at times, feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, many Connecticut seniors have already discovered the benefits of having independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing all on one campus.

If a Life Plan Community sounds intriguing, why not get all the facts? Contact us at (203) 544-1000