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Why Long-Term Care Planning Matters

Many individuals are under the belief that long-term care will be required when it is much farther down the road. Long-term care could also come about as a result of an unexpected illness, injury, or disability at any time.

If you begin planning now, you can:

  • Be aware of all of the care alternatives available to you
  • Maintain your independence longer than if you had not planned
  • Plan financially for potential future health care costs
  • Share your thoughts regarding your wishes with those who may have to make them for you
  • Decrease your worry/ anxiety as a result of being prepared should the unexpected occur.
  • Make better-informed choices prior to needing the care.

Starting the conversation today can provide peace of mind for both you and your family.

What Is Long-Term Care?

In general terms, long term care is an assortment of supportive and/or medical services for helping people carry out their daily life functions as a result of the inability to do them on one's own because of some form of physical limitation (resulting in either disability, illness, or injury), and/or aging.

Typically, these services include assistance with:

  • Personal hygiene and bathing
  • Grooming and dressing
  • Meal preparation
  • Reminders about taking medications
  • Assistance with mobility
  • Household chores
  • Transportation
  • Memory care support
  • Skilled nursing

The type of care needed varies from person to person and may change over time.

Portrait illustration showing the many aspects of long-term care, including personal hygiene assistance, bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, mobility support, housekeeping, transportation, memory care, skilled nursing, and compassionate daily assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

Long-Term Care Options Available in Seattle

In this area there are many forms of Long-Term Care services that can be tailored to fit your lifestyle and needs.

In-Home Care

The type of service is called Home Care. The purpose of this service is to allow you to have personalized care at your residence. This will allow you to continue to live in your home. Some examples of what could be included within this service would be personal care, companionship, housekeeping, and some may even include Skilled Nursing support.

Assisted Living Communities

A community setting for receiving daily living assistance is referred to as an Assisted Living Community. These settings typically include housing, meals, assistance with activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing), and socialization for those that require assistance, yet want to retain as much independence as possible.

Adult Family Homes

This type of care setting includes Adult Family Homes. An adult family home provides care in a small residential setting. It is often less formal than assisted living or a skilled nursing facility and provides a more personal experience that can be more home-like.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

There are also Skilled Nursing Facilities available throughout Washington State. SNFs provide 24-hour medical care and rehabilitation services for people who have a higher level of health-related issues.

Memory Care

Additionally, Memory Care communities exist that are designed to help individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and/or other dementias by providing safe, secure environments that use structured programs to assist in meeting each individual's needs.

Steps to Begin Planning

Planning for Long-Term Care does not have to be a daunting task. You may find it easier by breaking down the planning process in to smaller manageable steps so that you feel confident when you are preparing.

You may want to consider the following steps:


    • Identify your current health status and what type of long term care you will need.

    • Talk to your family members about your plans.

    • Research different types of long-term care.

    • Research how to financially plan for long-term care.

    • Find out about local community resources.

    • Organize all important Healthcare and Legal Documents.

    • Check back on your plan periodically since your needs will change.

Financial Planning for Long-Term Care

Early long-term care planning is also financially beneficial. Therefore, it makes sense to have all options in mind when creating your plan.

Some of the financial considerations to think about are:

1. Your own money (savings)
2. Any retirement or pension income
3. Potential long-term care insurance
4. Government assistance programs
5. Benefits offered through your employer
6. Family financial planning

You will be able to make well-thought out financial plans if you start to think about them early.

Supporting Family Caregivers

The family members are usually able to provide care. By planning in advance and establishing clear expectations and identifying available resources and building support prior to needing care will also be of assistance in reducing the stress that caregivers experience. Families residing in Seattle have many opportunities to receive education about caregiving and take advantage of organizations providing caregiver support, respite service, as well as local community organizations providing aid to individuals who are caregiving.

Landscape illustration of a Seattle family creating a caregiving plan together, highlighting caregiver education, family communication, respite care, local support services, community resources, and strategies to reduce caregiver stress while supporting an aging loved one.

Why Seattle Residents Should Plan Early

Seattle's aging adult population will need preparation for the future care they require. If you begin to plan for your long term care now, you can make more informed choices about the type of care which is most beneficial to your lifestyle and personal preference. Additionally, early planning will provide your family with an opportunity to be involved in the decision making process regarding your care and allow you to explore all of the available resources within the Seattle area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for your long-term care requires some preparation ahead of time. This means educating yourself on all the available service options; talking with family members about what you would want if you were unable to speak for yourself; and making plans regarding finances and laws.

You should start planning now. If you wait until you need to plan, there will be fewer options and less time to think through your decisions because you may have had to make them in response to an urgent situation.

In Seattle, there are many different types of long-term care services available. Some examples include in-home care (also referred to as private duty home care), assisted living communities, adult family homes, skilled nursing facilities, memory care, hospice care, and caregiver support programs.

Many people wish to continue aging in their own homes using in-home care services such as home care aides, home modification services (such as installing grab bars) and community-based support services. Ultimately, whether you will be able to age in place is dependent upon your physical ability and/or limitations, how much assistance you require, and your personal preferences.

Financial planning can give you a clearer idea of what your future long-term care costs might look like, allow you to review the potential financing options for these costs, and alleviate the financial burden on both you and your family when you become elderly.

No. WA Long Term Care Options is an educational resource that provides information about long-term care planning, available care options, and helpful resources for Washington residents. We do not provide medical, legal, or financial advice.

Begin Planning Today

Preparing for long-term care is a long-term investment in your future as well as your future peace of mind. Planning ahead to understand all of your options will give you the ability to create a plan and be prepared to make informed decisions with confidence so you may have the independence you desire and provide reassurance for yourself and those who are closest to you.