Written by Valerie Cates, the case management and utilization review manager at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Are you or someone you love aging and hoping to remain independent at home? It is natural to have concerns about safety, health and the ability to manage daily life. Starting these conversations with loved ones can feel stressful or uncomfortable, but approaching them with patience, empathy and gentle communication can make all the difference.
Talking early — before a crisis occurs — can help reduce stress, avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and allow time for thoughtful, informed decisions. Important steps may include researching care options, understanding care costs and how to pay for them, and gathering or creating appropriate legal documents.
When planning financially, it is essential to understand the differences between Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and private pay options. Monthly care costs can range from approximately $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the level of care needed. Applying for Medicaid or accessing long-term care insurance benefits can take time, making early planning especially important.
Knowing when additional support may be needed is another key part of planning. Signs to watch for can include a decline in routine personal hygiene, difficulty keeping up with home maintenance, changes in cognition or toileting, decreased mobility and reduced social interaction or isolation. Noticing these changes early allows families to respond proactively rather than during a crisis.
There are many professionals and community resources available to help you get started, including geriatric care managers, elder law attorneys, social workers and local senior centers. Working together allows families to share observations, set realistic goals, create a timeline, recognize the emotions involved and focus on the positives — such as safety, dignity and quality of life.
Care options vary depending on individual needs. Aging in place may include home modifications such as stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and grab bars to support independence. Hiring private caregivers to assist with care or day-to-day chores. There are also several levels of care available, including:
- Care centers offer programs to support someone during daytime hours.
- Assisted living offers housing, meals and assistance with daily activities in a community setting.
- Memory care units provide specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
- Nursing homes offer 24/7 medical care for individuals with complex medical or mobility needs.
Statewide and federal resources also exist to help you navigate this change.
- Wyoming Center on Aging
- Aging Division – Wyoming Department of Health
- Wyoming Senior Citizens, INC. – Serving Older Wyomingites and Their Familes | Serving Older Wyomingites and Their Families
- Long Term Care Coverage
No matter where you are in the process of considering long-term care, conversations can begin during your annual checkup with your healthcare provider. Sheridan Memorial offers resource guides, case management assistance and multiple levels of care including primary care, specialty physicians, same-day services, emergency care and long-term care — supporting you and your loved ones every step of the way.