From research by the Department of Health and Human Services: By the age of 65 most Americans will need some level of long term care at home.

The responsibility of caring for the elderly often lies with the family. A nursing home or custodial care; community or assisted housing is often too expensive for even the best planned estate to cover. Long term care provided at home is not usually covered by Medicare plans – unless skilled medical care is required or there are few assets available and income is low. Therefore unless a private long term care insurance policy is in place the responsibility of care for the elderly is often taken on by their relatives.

Elder care by a parent, spouse, partner or even a close friend can be challenging, especially if that responsibility has been thrust upon them suddenly. It may be an accident that brought around the sudden need for care, in which case decisions will need to be made quickly. Without a suitable insurance policy this will be when family and friends take on the role of caregivers, even if, as is typical, they have no previous experience of medical care at all, much less specialized senior care. Sometimes, due to financial restrains this might well be the only option.

It may be that certain unsettling signals have indicated an elderly person will be (or is already) in need of regular, long term care – loss of memory (possibly indicating dementia), weight loss (they are not preparing meals) and lack of hygiene (personally and in the home) for example.

In such cases forward planning is definitely best and the sooner the better. Caring for the elderly can be a difficult and demanding task; however (depending on the degree of the problem) good planning and a little support can go a long way.

It may be that a housekeeper, day care, and help with meals are enough to get things back on track. Maybe finances will allow the services of a caregiver to be attained to help with all or some of the most basic and fundamental needs, including bathing and dressing.

There are many facets and options available with regards to elderly care. This responsibility does not have to lie with any one single person. Caring for the elderly might involve overseeing a network of caregivers; it could involve employing help to provide care and/or incorporating the help of friends and family.

Regardless of whether it is a crisis situation or a future necessity, the sooner a good, solid plan is in place, the better.

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