Understanding Your Care Options for Aging

While most older adults want to stay in their homes as long as possible, sometimes aging and illness prevent them from doing so. From assisted living facilities to nursing homes, there are many elder care options available. However, finding the right option to meet your changing needs as you age can be challenging. Fortunately, the Elder Law Lawyers team is here to help you navigate this next stage of your life and effectively plan for it. 

What Elder Care Options Are Available to Me in Kentucky?

When it comes to elder care, being proactive can be beneficial. Many older adults have already made plans for their futures, with one in five baby boomers planning to downsize their homes and move into a retirement community. For those who haven’t made such plans yet, it is recommended that they seek the help of an estate planning attorney who can walk them through their options. Below, we explore these options and how they can work for you as you age. 

1. Home Health Care

In some cases, you may be able to age in place. However, this will require some modifications to your home and the assistance of home healthcare workers. With these supports, you can stay home while still getting the care you need as you age. This type of care can evolve as your needs change, as it includes:

• Medical Support – Medication management or care after surgery or an injury
• Non-Medical Care – Help with daily activities like housework or meal prep
• Full-Time Live-in Care – Round-the-clock medical and non-medical assistance 

While this type of care may sound expensive, many health insurance policies, including Medicaid, will cover home healthcare expenses if certain criteria are met. A Medicaid planning attorney, like those at Elder Law Lawyers, can help you qualify for this type of financial assistance and stay home as long as possible.

2. Nursing Homes

When most people think of elder care, they think of nursing homes. In these communities, residents get full-time support, both with daily living activities and medical needs, on a long-term basis due to age or illness. Medicaid and long-term care insurance are most often used to pay for this type of care. The services of a Medicaid attorney and a financial planner can help you navigate this option and the costs associated with it. 

3. Retirement Communities

As a popular option among older adults looking to downsize while still living independently, retirement communities take many forms, including:

• 55+ Communities – Offer low-maintenance housing options, like apartments or condos, for healthy older adults who can live fully independently 
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) – Allow residents to age in place with options ranging from independent living to nursing home care
• Independent Living Communities – Unlike 55+ communities, they offer additional support services like housekeeping and transportation for residents

Regardless of which option you choose, retirement communities are ideal for those who want to live in a home-like environment while having some support in place. However, these are typically paid for using your own income and retirement savings, so it is best to start planning ahead before you move into such a community.  

4. Assisted Living Facilities 

While you may be generally healthy as you age, there will come a time when you will need some support in order to live independently. Assisted living facilities are ideal for those who do not require the full-time medical care of a nursing home but still need assistance with daily living tasks, such as:

• Housekeeping
• Meal Preparation
• Bathing & Dressing
• Medication Management

While standalone assisted living facilities exist, they can also be part of a nursing home or a retirement community. Through long-term care insurance and their own savings, most residents pay for assisted living care themselves. However, Medicaid does provide some coverage in certain situations. A Medicaid planning attorney, like those at Elder Law Lawyers, can help you qualify for this type of assistance.  

Explore Your Long-Term Care Options in Kentucky

While you may think it’s too soon to start planning for long-term care, that’s far from the truth. This is especially the case if you anticipate that you may require more care as you age due to certain health conditions. To get started on planning for your future today, contact the Elder Law Lawyers team. We can help you navigate your long-term care options in Kentucky and create a plan with your changing needs in mind. 

Plan for Your Future in Kentucky With Elder Law Lawyers

Exploring long-term care options and saving for retirement are just a couple of ways you can create a plan for your future. The right Medicaid planning attorney can help you navigate various needs you may have as you age. Contact Elder Law Lawyers online or call us at 859-543-0061 to start planning for your future today.