Activity Improves Quality of Life and More for Those in Long-Term Care

People receiving long-term care services should stay as active as possible. New research shows the physical and cognitive benefits of activity.

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Activity Improves Quality of Life and More for Those in Long-Term Care
3 Min Read July 10th, 2021

Let's face it, we all know people getting older and who have needed long-term health care services. Aging is something we are unable to avoid. As we grow old, our bodies are slowly declining. Unfortunately, our health and cognitive skills also decline.

Once a person starts receiving long-term health care services, research shows that more activity and less' sitting time' will improve a care recipient's quality of life, physical functioning, and cognition.

Avoid Sedentary Behavior 

According to the research, when you have sedentary behavior, like sitting, and replace it with light-intensity physical activity, like walking, it can improve many areas of overall health.

Western University in London, Ontario, is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. Their research indicated that sitting too much could be accelerating cognitive decline. When combining both physical and cognitive benefits, getting care recipients moving will have tremendous health benefits. 

Whether a person is receiving long-term care service in their home or in a facility, the benefits of physical activity are numerous. The problem for some people is the inability to afford quality care options to improve their quality of life and reduce the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on family members. 

Family Caregivers Not Ready

Family caregivers are untrained and unprepared for the role. The job of a family caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding. The overall quality of care is diminished, and the level of burden placed on the caregiver increases over time. 

Professional caregivers and quality long-term care facilities can provide appropriate care, but it comes at a price, and health insurance and Medicare won't pay for this type of care. Medicaid will pay for long-term care services, but you must have little or no income and assets. Plus, the quality of care is somewhat questionable due to the government's low reimbursements. 

Long-Term Care Services are Costly

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows an ever-increasing cost of care nationwide. These costs can vary depending on where you are located. For example, in Rochester, New York, in-home care averages around $4800 a month based on a 44-hour week. However, that is less than the New York state average of almost $5100 a month.

If you live in Lawrence, Kansas, the cost of the same amount of in-home long-term care services average over $3700 a month, which is less than the state average in Kansas of just over $4100 a month. Kansas, of course, costs less than New York.

Facilities will also cost more. The costs of any long-term care service can quickly drain income and assets and reduce lifestyle and legacy. People work their entire life to enjoy a successful retirement and leave a legacy only to see it disappear because of a lack of planning. 

LTC Insurance Safeguards Assets Ensures Quality Care

Many people use affordable Long-Term Care Insurance to safeguard assets and ensure their choice of quality care in the setting their desire. The problem is you cannot purchase LTC Insurance when you need it - you must obtain coverage when you are younger and healthier. 

Experts suggest looking into LTC Insurance in your 40s or 50s. Be sure to shop the top companies since premiums vary over 100% between insurance companies. An LTC Insurance specialist can find you the appropriate coverage at the lowest cost. 

Meanwhile, keep active when you are younger and keep older family members as active as possible.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

Avoid sedentary planning behavior when you are younger. The best time to prepare family and finances for the future changes in health and aging is before you get older.

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten and priced, in part, by your age when you obtain coverage. Do not delay; act before you retire.

Research with Resources Available on LTC NEWS

You should start your research by understanding the financial impact long-term care has on your family and finances. The cost of care varies depending on where in the country you reside.

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future care costs where you live. The calculator will help you plan for your future care or help you determine the costs for a loved one who needs care now.

If you are planning for your future retirement, affordable LTC Insurance should be a crucial part of your plan. LTC NEWS offers many resources to help you research to have an intelligent conversation with a specialist to shop and design an affordable plan. 

Start your research by reading The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide

There are tax incentives available as well - Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.

See all our long-term care resources

Need Care Now? Need Help with LTC Insurance Claims?

You might have a parent or other family member who needs care now. If they have a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Get free assistance in making a claim. LTC NEWS can provide free assistance with no obligation. You can also obtain help finding caregivers and getting recommendations for a proper plan of care, whether a person has a policy or not.

Reverse Mortgages Can Be Part of a Plan

If you find most of your assets are tied to your home, today's reverse mortgages might help as the solution for either funding Long-Term Care Insurance or paying for care.

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