The Benefits of Home Health Care

Home health care is a viable option for those people who wish to receive care in the inconvenience of their own home. The primary goal of a home health care agency is to provide relief and reassurance to elders and their families by offering professional care. Seniors can continue to remain independent and maintain a greater sense of privacy and self-esteem. Research has shown that home health care provides a plethora of benefits and is often the ideal option for physical and mental well being.

One of the most undeniable constituents when considering long term care is the financial commitment. By choosing home health care over an assisted living facility, seniors will save a substantial amount. In 2009, the average cost of an assisted living facility in the United States is $3,131 dollars per month. In that same year, the cost of a home health aid for an hour was $21 dollars an hour. A typical visit occurs about 4 hours at a time about three hours of week, estimating $1,008 per month. According to a new Northwestern Mutual Study only 28% are currently saving for future LTC needs. With financing being such a monumental issue, seniors are having a difficult time addressing their health care needs. Home health care allows seniors to perpetuate their assets for a longer period of time.

By committing to live at home, elders can take control over their own independence, quality of life, and pride. Seniors become enabled to take more control over their life and make personal choices regarding meals, daily schedule, and activities of daily living. Most importantly it’s a choice that will determine how exactly you want to spend your retirement years, chose your health care options, and most importantly what your wishes are for major life events. I believe that independence is a quality that seniors value the most. They want to know that their voice still matters and that they still have a say. By living at home, I believe that seniors may decide how they want to live their daily life with the assistance of professionals.

The reward of choosing home health care enables families to remain together through support. The services offered can be extremely valuable when seniors are in need of medical attention and loved ones need to work, or take time off from care giving responsibilities. I think that relief is significant to care givers because they need to have their own personal time. It’s also great reassurance that even when they are taking a break they know that their loved one is safe in the convenience of your own home.

With the professional assistance and dedication, health care professionals are able to help seniors maintain the highest level of health and function. This has become a reality with the assistance of technology, products, services, and conveniences to successfully enable elders to live in a non-healthcare environment. Most importantly, home health care is for seniors who want to live a independent lifestyle but do not wish to do it alone.

References
Keefer, A. (2010, February 4) What is home health care? Livestrong.com. Retrieved April 2, 2012, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/79661-home-health-care/

La Posada, A Life Care Community

Over spring break, I had the opportunity to visit La Posada, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Every stereotype and generalization that could possibly transpire diminished within minutes. This Southern Spanish style community sits upon 22 acres of land right off of PGA Boulevard, making it prime real estate. If that wasn’t enough, this property is directly next to the Gardens mall and less than 10 minutes from the beach.

What sets them apart from other CCRCs is the quality of care offered. Unlike neighboring communities, La Posada offers a full continuum of care available on-site. Residents can receive treatments, have their medication managed, and even have the opportunity to move into assisted living and skilled nursing without leaving the premise. The Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) rated La Posada’s health center five stars for three consecutive years in a row. Residents who may need other medical care can also visit the various renowned medical centers only minutes away.

I had the opportunity to speak with the director of sales and marketing, Ms. Bonnie Andriotis who explained the cost break down of the financial responsibility associated with buying into this CCRC. Throughout our time, she continued to reiterate that making the decision to move into La posada is a smart investment that guarantees preservation of your assets. Although there is a substantial up front free, it assures that your monthly costs remain the same no matter what level of care you may need. For example, if someone is paying $4,000 a month and years down the road they are required to move to skilled nursing they will still pay $4,000. Independently owned skilled nursing facilities can usually cost anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 dollars. Despite the fact that there is a considerable up front fee it will definitely pay off.

What initially intrigued me about La Posada was their Masterpiece living program they offer. This program is designed to enhance the lives of seniors and empower them to make particular choices that affect their physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellness. This community genuinely aims to ensure that every resident is living a balanced and holistic lifestyle. Some of the few notable amenities they offer include: PGA national Resort and Spa membership, FAU educational lectures, fitness classes, fine dining, transportation, day excursions, and more. They make it easy for to indulge in the things you love most.

Overall, I had a wonderful time walking around the property and learning more about what La Posada. The variety of services and amenities they offer astounded me. In just a short time being there, I can say I truly believe they truthfully care about the wellbeing of their residents.

References
La Posada - Management. (n.d.). La Posada - A Lifecare Community - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Retrieved March 8, 2012, from http://www.laposada-lifecare.com/management.php

Financing for the Future

According to a new Northwestern Mutual Study only 28% are currently saving for future LTC needs. The study also revealed that 77% accepted that there is a demand for future LTC use but just about half, at 45%, mention that they are not exactly sure how they plan to address those needs. What disturbs me is that the majority of Americans have acknowledged the necessity to save but still neglect to do so. Clearly, there is a major misunderstanding on the severity of the issue at hand or just plain ignorance.

What is going to happen when the baby-boom generation begins to collect social security? According to the Bureau of Census, the number of elderly people in the United States will double between 2000 and 2030. With the number of collectors drastically increasing, higher costs, and life expectancy on the rise, the demand for LTC will be astronomical.

I believe in order to solve this predicament, health care leaders will need to deliver more education to Americans. Education is a very powerful tool and by gaining a full understanding people will become empowered and capable of making better decisions. Without future planning, the government is going to fall into a bigger financial crisis.

Another interesting point the study made was that people who have experience in care giving are twice as more likely to finance for the future. I assume this is true because they have more education on this topic and can picture themselves by being surrounded in that environment. They see themselves growing old and planning out the rest of their life.

Looking into the future of LTC, balancing costs will continue to pose a vital ethical dilemma. Access and quality are such significant components to care and economizing on even one of them will develop major consequences. When analyzing the current trend Americans continue to follow, by not financing for future LTC needs, I really do not see much hope for the future. Because costs are going to be the number one issue it’s apparent that access and quality will have to be sacrificed.

Financing for the future is a vital role in the life of any human being. As a future leader of the health care industry I want to educate my society on the importance of being fiscally responsibly.


Sources
1. http://seniorhousingnews.com/2011/11/06/most-realize-need-for-long-term-care-planning-but-only-28-are-saving/
2. http://www.cbo.gov/publication/15584

What Long Term Care Means to Me

Although LTC (long term care) is comprised multiple providers, senior living is the first thing that comes to mind. I discovered my enthusiasm for this industry a lot earlier than most. My mother has served as an executive director of both IL (Independent living) and AL (assisted living) communities for over 25 years. At a very early age she took me under her wing and taught me much of what I have come to love about field. Spending time visiting my grandma at her community, The Hamilton House, reconfirmed my passion for this industry.

“Strengthening communities, changing lives” is the motto of The UCF college of Health and Public affairs. This slogan precisely describes why I have decided to pursue this field. I want to be able to make a difference. I want to provide services, amenities, and programs to not only protect seniors but to enhance their lives.

I realized this was the perfect fit when I was about 15 years old. Frequently as a teenager, I spent many hours volunteering at the community my mother managed. Whether it was announcing bingo, assisting them with computers, or socializing after dinner they were always so appreciative of my time. They were so grateful that I took time out of my day to help them it brought me a magnitude of gratification.

Confucius believed that “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” In every day this is how I feel about LTC. Making a difference brings such fulfillment to my life and I am so excited that I discovered this passion so early in life.