How to Determine the Right Level of Care for Your Needs?

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a severe disease or an accident, then placing them in assisted care or shifting them to a hospital is the first thing you must do. 

However, understanding the different levels of care can be complex, especially since there are so many options available now. 

Most of the patients feel that quality customer care services are the most important factor when choosing their form of healthcare. So, here are some of the basic criteria based on which you should choose the appropriate level of care.

1. Understand your needs

The first step toward looking for the right kind of care is understanding your specific medical needs. 

Is there a particular medication routine that you have to follow every day? Do you need extra support while walking or performing specific tasks? 

Based on the kind of medical attention that you require and its frequency, you can choose basic or memory care. 

2. Read up on the different care levels

It’s also important to know the different levels of care that a patient might require. You can either search for information on the internet or talk to a family member, friend, or your healthcare provider. 

There are three basic levels of care: independent living, basic care, and memory care. 

Independent living is the most common form of care, and the facilities offer a high degree of independence, and the patient doesn’t require any additional care beyond what their loved ones provide. 

Basic care is when you’ll require help with simple tasks and will be able to continue living on your own. It includes bathing, dressing, or taking medication. 

Memory care is slightly complex and often designed for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or similar memory loss conditions. It’s a specialised care unit where the patient is constantly monitored, but you do retain some autonomy.

3. Consider your preferences

Apart from your medical and personal needs, you’ll also have to consider your personal preferences while choosing the right level of care. 

For example, if you need dialysis to treat kidney failure and you don’t wish to travel to the hospital for every session, you can talk to a home care facility that provides dialysis services at home. 

Or if you want to attend support group sessions in the hospital, there are different types of primary caregiving options like Drake that can help you. 

What’s important here is to take into consideration your personal beliefs and comfort. You should also read up more on your condition and how it can be best managed while also choosing your preferences.

4. Check the duration of stay

Long-term Care Hospitals (LTCH) allow extended medical and rehabilitative stays to patients who require treatment for severe acute or chronic conditions that can last for long periods. 

You can reimburse a portion or even the entire medical expenses through Medicare or some other form of medical insurance. 

If you wish to qualify for LTCH Medicare, you have to be admitted to a hospital that falls under Medicare’s conditions of participation and have an average inpatient stay of more than 25 days. 

This kind of setting is specific for patients suffering from serious cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions. These stays typically require approval from your case manager.

5. See if you need nursing facilities

Many care organisations have special nursing facilities for patients who are unable to withstand intense physical or mental diagnostic sessions. 

Here, skilled nursing facilities provide relief to the patient and help them go through different diagnostic procedures that are less taxing. 

A stay at a Skilled Nursing Facility can cost different amounts based on how long you’re there. 

For example, if you’re staying between 1 and 20 days, then you won’t have to pay any amount. Between days 21 and 100, the amount will be around $164.50 coinsurance per day for each benefit period, and for more than 101 days, you’ll have to bear full costs.

Note: These values depend on several factors. 

Conclusion

While these are some of the basic things you need to know while choosing the right level of care, you also need to take into account the resources you have. This includes financial, insurance, and legal resources. 

If you’re low on finances, you can apply for Medicaid, but if you’re willing to spend more money, private insurance will cover your costs.