The topic of long-term care can be a difficult one for families to discuss, and it can bring up feelings of guilt, fear and uncertainty. But when the health and safety of your loved one is at stake, the conversation is a necessary one. Educating yourself about long-term care options, costs and how to find the best care will help you and your family members make more informed decisions and have peace of mind for the future.
How Do I Know When It’s Time for Long-Term Care?
Recognizing when it may be time for long-term care in Portsmouth, Virginia, isn’t always easy. It’s often a gradual realization that takes shape over time as you witness changes in your loved one’s health, safety and ability to manage daily life. Asking yourself the following questions can help bring clarity and guide your decision:
- Do they have one or more chronic health conditions that are becoming difficult to manage at home?
- Are emergency room or doctor’s visits becoming more frequent?
- Are they struggling with daily tasks at home like self-care, preparing meals, or cleaning?
- Are they having difficulty managing medication dosages and timing?
- Have they fallen recently or is their walking becoming more unsteady?
If the answer to most of these questions is yes, it may be time to consider additional support to help ensure your loved one stays safe and receives the care they need to maintain their health and the highest quality of life possible.
How Do I Pay for Long-Term Care?
Options for covering the cost include long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits or personal savings. Medicare does not generally cover long-term care costs in Virginia. Some states offer Medicaid programs or waivers that may help cover certain services. Trio Healthcare locations offer assistance navigating Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
What Should I Look for in a Long-Term Care Community?
Finding the highest quality of care for your loved one is critical for their safety and overall well-being. The AARP has suggested these helpful steps you can take to learn more about a potential long-term care community in Portsmouth, VA, and determine whether it is the right fit:
- Speak to staff at all levels, from administrators to nursing, activities and culinary directors to learn as much as you can about the facility.
- Take a close look at the floors, countertops and other surfaces. Do they look and smell clean?
- Observe residents’ grooming. Do they look neat, clean and well-cared for?
- Check the menu and try the food. Is it nutritious, fresh and appealing?
- Ask about the activities, such as art and music classes and recreation to learn how they keep residents’ minds and bodies active.
- Observe response times to residents. Are they waiting for long stretches for medication, treatments or assistance?
- Stay close to home if possible so you can visit frequently and check on the level of care your loved one is receiving.
Portsmouth Health and Rehab Provides Compassionate Long-Term Care
At Portsmouth Health and Rehab, we’re committed to helping individuals access the high-quality long-term care they deserve by guiding them and their families through their care options and financial considerations and assisting with the Medicaid application process. We care for our residents like family in a warm, welcoming environment. Each person is treated with dignity and respect, and we create individualized care plans that support their goals, preferences and overall well-being. We strive to help every resident experience comfort, connection and the highest quality of life possible by providing:
- Around-the-clock support and assistance with the activities of daily living
- Access to on-site therapy services to rebuild strength and regain function and mobility
- Comprehensive, expert nursing and clinical services provided by a dedicated healthcare team
- Therapeutic recreation and wellness activities that provide opportunities for engagement and social interaction
- Nutritious, thoughtfully prepared meals tailored to each resident’s dietary needs
- Guidance in navigating Medicare and Medicaid
Contact us to learn more about our long-term care services in Portsmouth, VA.