On the website of Administration for Community Living, there is a comprehensive list of the different housing options, as well as of other costs a patient is likely to incur. Namely, the out-of-home alternatives include Assisted Living, Nursing Facilities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and Public Housing (“Living in a Facility,” 2020). Although some patients might be able to finance themselves through personal income or savings, there are many financial aid options available for those less fortunate, such as long-term care insurance, or reverse mortgages (“Costs & Who Pays,” 2021). The latter, for example, are available to those over 62 as monthly payments without losing the possession of the property (“Reverse Mortgages,” 2020). Therefore, there are options for those without the immediate access to the necessary resources.
For a Christian, generosity and care for those around them are highly valued. Therefore, the best approach for a Christian care provider to the situation is to advise the patient on the alternative solutions for managing the costs. On the other hand, for the recipient the best approach is to humbly accept the help of the fellow Christians and the government, accepting it as a blessing. Although not discussed, if family members’ financial support is a viable option it should be desirable as to not take away the resources of those that might need them more.
Nevertheless, costs are not the only consideration that a patient must contemplate before planning his or her future. It is vital that the facilities they enter adhere to the necessary regulations, as set by the Federal government and the State. For example, according to the Colorado State regulations, home care agencies must ensure their staff are properly trained to provide personal care and skilled services (“Colorado State Regulations, Summary of Current Laws,” 2020). This regulation is essential, since many of the elderly in long-term care facilities are unable to perform simple daily tasks, such as going to the bathroom, by themselves. Furthermore, since the patients in question are at a high risk of accidents and emergencies, a trained professional is required on site for the immediate action response. Although this regulation might make hiring new staff more difficult, especially in remote locations or small towns, it is a necessary clause.
References
Colorado State Regulations, Summary of Current Laws. (2020). AplMed Academy. Web.
Costs & Who Pays Them. (2021). LongTermCare.gov. Web.
Living in a Facility. (2020). LongTermCare.gov. Web.
Reverse Mortgages.(2020). LongTermCare.gov. Web.