When your senior loved one becomes unable to care for their own needs, you need to be able to ensure that they are properly cared for. Not everyone can quit their job or take the time needed to provide full-time care for an elderly parent, especially if that care requires medical expertise. It’s not an easy thing to put a senior into long-term care, but when you have to, you want to make the right choice.

There are a lot of different options for long-term senior care out there, and understanding what’s available can be of great help. Explore the many long term care options for seniors that are available, and learn why trust and estate planning lawyers are vital to making the right choice.

Knowing the Kind of Care You Need

There are a number of questions to ask yourself when determining which options are the best. First, can your parent do with in-home care? Are they afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer’s? Do they have difficulty getting around on their own? Do they have medication or other medical needs that need to be monitored around the clock?

Have you noticed changes in their hygiene, mood, behavior or eating patterns? Is their home safe for their current condition, and if not, can it be made safe? Finally, are you feeling burned out on trying to do everything yourself? Consider the answers to these questions carefully, as they’ll tell you whether home care is a possibility, or whether you need another kind of care.

Long-Term Care Options for Seniors

The main kinds of long-term care options for seniors are the assisted living facility, a continuing care retirement community, a nursing home, or in-home care. In home care is best for those who are still able on a large level to care for themselves, but need help with the day to day activities of life.

A retirement community allows for a higher level of care, with assisted living but still allowing for a degree of independent living. An assisted living facility combines ongoing support services and healthcare with housing, and a full nursing home is for those who require constant, around the clock care with even the most basic daily activities from eating to hygiene.

Working with Trust and Estate Planning Lawyers

Trust and estate planning lawyers can help with your senior long-term care in many ways. First, they’ve seen this kind of thing before, so they may be able to help provide options for you. Second, these kinds of services are very expensive and you’ll want to protect your assets. The right estate plan can ensure that your long term care needs are covered, but your assets are still protected.

This process is not an easy one, however. You’ll need someone who can help properly set up and fund your trust to make sure that all of your bills are paid, your medical needs met, and that you still have an estate to pass on. If you’re in the Cuyahoga County, OH, area and you need help from experienced trust and estate planning lawyers, call Stano Law Firm today.