If you are starting to have difficulty with certain essential tasks, such as managing your finances, or physical activities like bathing or driving, it is time to have an honest talk with your doctor or another health care professional about your situation. They can put you in touch with a social worker who specializes in helping older people (sometimes called a geriatric case manager). This person will help you come up with a suitable long-range plan and locate the services you need now and/or will need in the future. The services of a social worker or geriatric case manager can be especially useful if your family doesn’t live near you or you can’t depend on them to help you during this sometimes confusing time.
Learn about the various services for seniors in your community and the types of care available. Ask around: Your doctor, a social worker, staff at a community health clinic, or any health care workers you see regularly can all have good ideas and suggestions about whom to contact. Another starting point would be to call a local or state social services office and ask to speak to someone who can provide a list of services you might need, such as meal or companion programs, transportation services, day centers, or facilities for more specialized care.
If possible, your family should be consulted and involved in setting up a long-term plan. If you can no longer travel easily to the grocery store or cannot cook, for example, your family and friends may like to deliver some of your meals while others are delivered by a local aid program such as Meals on Wheels.
Think about what services are acceptable to you: Would you mind having an aide come in to help you bathe and dress? Also consider whether your plans are realistic: If you don't drive, will you always be able to depend on a friend to drive you to appointments or will you need to arrange for bus or taxi service?
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Before you start firming up plans, find out what services are covered under Medicare or Medicaid, and what your private insurance will and will not cover. Insurance coverage is often very limited and your finances may not be adequate for all the services you would like. Remember that Medicare and private "Medigap" insurance only pay for short-term home health care and nursing home stays.
Reference:
National Institute on Aging
Age Page
Planning for Long-Term Care.
