Long-Term Care Options for Pennsylvanians in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Arranging for a loved one to live in a Pennsylvania nursing home has never been easy. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic raised additional risks. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, there have been more than 1,000,000 cases of COVID-19 in United States nursing homes, resulting in more than 150,000 resident deaths. And while over 73 percent of nursing home residents are vaccinated and boasted, only 40 percent of nursing home staff have received their vaccination and booster shots. Given this reality, many Pennsylvanians are considering other options besides a nursing home.
Fortunately, there are options other than nursing homes; however, each type of facility offers various levels of care. It is essential to ensure that the facility you select is appropriate for your loved one’s needs.
Home Care
Home care is available to those who can meet most of their needs independently but need occasional assistance with specific tasks. In most home care arrangements, a nurse visits a person’s home once daily for a particular period. The extent of the services provided by a home care agency depends on the resident’s needs.
Board and Care Homes
A board and care home also referred to as a residential care facility, is a small, privately-run facility. Board and care homes typically have about 20 residents housed in private or shared rooms. The drawback to board and care homes is that they typically only assist with personal care and meals; healthcare and nursing care are not usually provided.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assist living facilities to provide residents with assistance in their daily care, but not to the extent that a nursing home offers. Most assisted living facilities have between 25 and 125 residents, and some provide more services than others. Residents of an assisted living facility usually line up in their rooms or apartments and share common areas with other residents. Typically, all meals are included, as well as help with personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. There are staff on-site 24 hours a day.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer various options depending on a resident’s need. For example, most CCRCs have an independent-living option, an assisted-living option, and a skilled nursing care option. CCRCs also arrange social activities for residents who can participate and provide healthcare services. It is common for residents to move from one area of a CCRC to another as their needs change.
Discuss Long-Term Care Options with an Experienced Pennsylvania Elder Law Attorney
Arranging for long-term care for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. However, this is not a process you need to go through alone. At the Harrisburg estate planning law firm, Hazen Law Group, we work with people from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds, financial needs, hopes, and goals. Our team of experienced nursing home planning advocates understands that your family’s needs are unique, and we will cater our discussions and recommendations accordingly. The founder of Hazen Law Group, Marielle Hazen, has been named one of the Best Lawyers – and the Hazen Law Group, one of the Best Law Firms – in the country by U.S. News and World Report for several years. We give you the peace of mind of knowing the best possible plan is in place to provide for your family members. To learn more about how we can help you plan for your future and that of your family, call 717-540-4332 to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys today.
