The Long Term Care Decision Journey

In the United States today, the need for long term care is greater than ever. Not only are people generally living longer, but many members of the baby boomer generation are quickly approaching the age of 60. As a result, our country’s elderly population will increase substantially in the years to come.
As people age they become more likely to develop a chronic condition that prevents them from being able to perform activities of daily living. These activities include, but are not limited to, being able to dress, feed, or bathe themselves. With increasing age, the risk of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s also becomes more likely. When a person can no longer perform activities of daily living on their own, one of two things usually happens. Either that person’s family provides care or they go to a long term care facility to receive treatment.
Below is a flowchart that displays the Long Term Care Decision Journey and the options one has when thinking about long term care treatment.