How to Create an Elder Care Plan

Getting your affairs in order can be a little confusing at any age. Sorting through options, considering finances, etc. seems overwhelming. Whether you are considering your own future interest or helping care for a retired loved one, it is important to create an elder care plan. Let’s take a closer look at just how to create an elder care plan.

What is an Elder Care Plan?

First things first: an elder care plan is simply a plan that exists to help individuals of retirement age maintain good health and quality of living. Though not true for all people, most individuals require increasing levels of care as they age. An elder care plan specifies where a person will receive that care, how it will be paid for, and exactly what those transitions will look like.

Tips for Creating an Elder Care Plan

Now that you know what an elder care plan is, it’s time to figure out how to create one. Take the time to employ the following steps.

1. Analyze current health and living situations to look for gaps.

Part of the purpose of an elder care plan is to prevent gaps in healthcare as an individual progresses. Moving forward should be one seamless, fluid transition all throughout retirement. When forming an elder care plan, look for areas that may currently be lacking. What does the current and future medical care look like? Is your (or your loved one’s) facility equipped for assisted living? Determining where the gaps are helps you decide what needs to be included in the new plan.

2. Create a list of both current and potential needs.

If you are having trouble identifying the gaps, make a list of every current need and every potential future need. Add checkmarks to every need (both now and later) that the current living situation fills. Anything leftover forms a gap.

3. Think long-term when it comes to finances.

An extremely important aspect of any elder care plan is the financial aspect. It is essential to think long-term, formulate budgets, and identify which communities and programs adhere to that budget while offering the necessary level of care.

4. Look for a living facility that offers a continuum of care.

A continuum of care is essentially an elder care plan in action. Certain senior communities provide a continuum of care, which simply ensures that an individual can seamlessly transition to different levels of care within their program. For example, a resident who currently lives independently but might require close medical care in a few years can freely move between facilities. A continuum of care is important for easy transitions and for a resident’s peace of mind.

5. Maintain high standards when it comes to facility staff and medical care.

When creating an elder care plan, look for high-quality facilities and teams that you and your loved ones can trust. Senior care matters from every aspect, not just the physical. Stimulating activities, nurturing team members, and a relationship-minded atmosphere play key roles in effective care.

Looking for a Great Senior Community? If you are looking for a resident-oriented, team-run senior community, look no further than Colavria Hospitality. Colavria Hospitality is a local, family-owned management and consulting company specializing in skilled nursing communities and senior living in the greater Denver area. Our greatest priority is seeing our residents thrive in every possible way.