When Is It Time for Long-Term Care?

Is it memory loss due to the aging process or the early onset of dementia? Initially, cognitive changes can be subtle and challenging to diagnose. As a result, it can be difficult to decide if a loved one is able to continue living independently or if it’s time to seek assistance through in-home care or a long-term care facility.

Your answers to the following questions may help you determine the most appropriate course of action to take for your loved one:

Independent Living Test¹

Medications

• Are prescriptions not being refilled, resulting in failure to take medication when scheduled?

• Has taking medication become difficult due to poor memory or confusion? Evidence may include taking pills at the wrong time, mixing pills in a pillbox, or having an oversupply or undersupply of pills.

• Have conditions previously under control become acute because medication is not being taken correctly?

Food and groceries

• Based on past food habits, are the cupboards frequently empty or being filled with unusual foods?

• Is the food in the refrigerator often spoiled or kept long beyond the “use by” date?

Personal finances

• Are credit cards or checkbooks being misused or not balanced as well as in the past?

• Is the mail being picked up and opened regularly, or does it remain uncollected and/or unopened?

Social contact

• Has the amount of social contact changed dramatically, so that there are few public outings or limited social visits with close friends?

• Has the ability to drive deteriorated? Is there a fear of driving or a recent history of multiple minor accidents that may be leading to isolation?

Living habits

• Has there been a change in dress or appearance or a decline in personal hygiene that is not related to physical disability? Is dress appropriate for the weather?

• Have housekeeping habits changed so that a normally neat and orderly home is now cluttered and not cleaned regularly?

• Are pets that were normally well cared for suddenly not being fed or cared for as they had been in the past?

Solicitations

• Is there a sudden increase in ordering unnecessary items through the mail or televised advertisements?

Calls to family members or health care providers

• Has there been a marked increase in panic calls to family or medical providers without apparent need?

• Have unnecessary calls been made to 911?

As America’s population ages with people living well into their 80s and 90s, the need for long-term care services increases. Consider the coverage for care options that long-term care insurance can offer you and your loved ones.

¹Source: Long Term Care Partners, LLC

Important Disclosures

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This material contains only general descriptions and is not a solicitation to sell any insurance product or security, nor is it intended as any financial or tax advice. For information about specific insurance needs or situations, contact your insurance agent. This article is intended to assist in educating you about insurance generally and not to provide personal service. They may not take into account your personal characteristics such as budget, assets, risk tolerance, family situation or activities which may affect the type of insurance that would be right for you. In addition, state insurance laws and insurance underwriting rules may affect available coverage and its costs. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. If you need more information or would like personal advice you should consult an insurance professional. You may also visit your state’s insurance department for more information.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This article was prepared by Liberty Publishing, Inc.

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