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Long Term Care Options

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Long Term Care Options: Paper 1

Don and Mary Long term health care and end of life care is a reality that is usually inevitable. “Research shows that at least 70 percent of people over 65 will need long term care services at some point in their lifetime” (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2012). There are many decisions that people must make in the event. Don and Mary are a married couple who have to make that decision. Don and Mary served together in the military. After the military they both made careers for themselves. Now they are retired and enjoying life traveling and spending time with family. However, now Mary has developed a disease called Alzheimer’s that has left her with a limited memory and sundowner’s syndrome. Her husband Don cared for her initially but is unable to due to health care challenges he is also facing. The couple is also experiencing financial issues as their retirement fund is dwindling down. They are unable to completely pay for their at home care which has led the couple to seek financial help from family members. Don and Mary now need to come up with a plan for their elderly care. Decisions need to be made about the type of care needed, the availability and financial options. The first decision that needs to be made is the type of care that is needed for both of their conditions. Don has physical needs that leave him unable to care for himself. Mary has Alzheimer’s disease that requires around the clock attention. Don and Mary’s families carry extremely busy lives and are unable to care for them with the attention that they need. Since Mary has a disease that has left her unable to think for herself at all and unable to physically care for herself, she will need around the clock assistance. Don and Mary should consider either an assisted living facility or a nursing home facility. “Many skilled nursing facilities have

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