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Rayna Neises, ACC, host, reflects on the thoughts shared during last week’s interview with Deborah Bakti.  She expands on the suggestions Deborah provided during their talk and in her book, “Now What?” regarding long-term care facilities for families:

• Placement is needed when a person’s physical needs are to a point where the family cannot meet those needs, or the person cannot care for himself/herself and no one else is available.
• Medicare/Medicaid eligibility varies from state to state and is determined through an assessment tool.
•  Assistance with a private pay placement is available through several national and local companies.
• Be aware of and recognize changes so that you can start taking steps to make this difficult decision.
• The #1 misconception about long-term care facilities is that your loved one will receive one-on-one care 24/7.
•  Another misconception is that you will be able to call and speak to a care team member right away.
• Be familiar with the care plan, but also flexible.
• It is okay to voice concerns using a kind manner.
• Long-term care does not equal improvement or getting better.
• Once the decision is made, understand that your role has changed, and you must give over the responsibility to the facility and the care team.
• Find Deborah’s book on Amazon.