The U.S. population is aging. Here's how to plan ahead, find resources for long-term care
By 2030, everyone who is part of the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 or older. And while retirement looms, many older adults may be grappling with declining health, or find themselves caring for elderly parents.
Already, one in six Americans are unpaid caregivers to adults older than 50, according to a 2020 AARP report, and that number will only increase as the population ages.
Here is advice from SeniorAge Agency on Aging and the owner of a Springfield in-home care organization on how to establish care for older adults.
Know what your loved one wants, and plan ahead
Both organizations emphasized the importance of talking with people early and often about how they want to age. Chris Blaine, owner of Springfield's Home Instead office, called planning ahead "the biggest thing" someone can do.
"The more you can have those conversations in advance and be prepared, even though those can be really difficult conversations sometimes, I think that really helps in the long run, and helps you to honor the wishes of your parents or the people you’re caring for, but also just helps you coordinate that," Blaine said.
One way to start the conversation is with resources like SeniorAge's "It's All About Me" book, a workbook where they can record health, financial and other information.
Often, Blaine said, families are left scrambling to figure arrangements out after a crisis, like a fall or a stroke. Isabel Guzman of SeniorAge advised families to look into assisted living or nursing homes before your loved one needs it.
"Start early — some nursing homes have substantial waiting lists. Even if it’s not something you’re looking at this year, if it’s something for next year or the near future, it’s something to consider," Guzman said.
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Know their options and consider securing assets
Depending on the person's independence and what their desires are, there are multiple options for care. Some senior care facilities offer a continuum of care, or step care, which allows residents to stay within the same community.
"Especially when you’re planning for the future, there are some facilities that have independent living, assisted living and memory care, so having those options, or thinking about those options, when looking into facilities might also be a good thing, too," said Isabel Guzman of SeniorAge.
An AARP study found that 77% of people older than 50 want to age at home. Places like SeniorAge offer local resources for in-home care.
If aging in home isn't possible, an assisted living facility or long-term facility may be needed. Reviews and ratings of nursing homes are available at medicare.gov, though Guzman recommended making an unannounced visit prior to choosing a facility.
"It’s a good tip to go and check (nursing homes) out in person without giving them a warning just so you can see that day-to-day activity without them expecting you there," Guzman said.
There are some extra considerations that may need to be made for long-term care, which usually isn't covered by Medicare.
"Depending on the person and their assets, they may want to consider reaching out to an elder law attorney to secure some of those assets that might prevent them from getting vendor Medicaid" that would help them pay for the care, Guzman said.
SeniorAge has an elder law list, and will also refer people to Legal Services of Southern Missouri, which serves low-income and elderly clients.
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Know what benefits your loved one can access
Those helping arrange care should also find out what the person already has, such as a long-term care policy, if they qualify for Medicaid or other state benefits or if they can seek help from Veterans Affairs.
To find out the status of someone's state benefits, visit the the Department of Social Service's benefit review summary site.
The VA can offer additional help, according to Debbie Morrissey of SeniorAge.
"There is funding that will help them if they meet certain criteria. If they’re on a VA pension, then they can apply for an enhanced pension with aid and attendance or homebound program, and they have to do that through the VA," Morrissey said.
Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Experts urge planning ahead in caring for older Ozarkians
