What Are Common Diagnoses That Require Long-Term Care?
Long-term care is not as uncommon as many people believe. It is quite common for people to need to rely on this form of care as they age and their needs change due to illness or injury. Long-term care is one of the most important types of financial planning to engage in, but also one of the most challenging to plan for. Talk to our San Diego long-term disability claim attorney from Dawson & Rosenthal today. The following are examples of when a person may need long-term care.
Strokes
A stroke causes damage to the brain, meaning that a portion of the brain suffers cell damage, which cannot be improved. Strokes, which can be caused by high cholesterol, injuries to the head, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, are very common in the US. They often lead to long-term care because the part of the brain that is damaged may cause speech or language changes, limit mobility, or change cognitive health.
Cancer
Depending on the type of cancer and cancer treatment employed, it is somewhat common for people with cancer to need long-term care, at least for a period of time to heal. Cancer can create complex health complications in the body, including loss of muscle tone, damage to internal organs and cognitive function decline. Some people will heal over time, especially with help.
Fall Injuries
Long-term care is often necessary when a person suffers a broken bone or head trauma from a fall. Though a serious fall from heights, such as stumbling down the steps, can lead to easily seen injuries, other incidents, a simple fall to the knees in a grocery store, can cause damage to hips or legs, leading to mobility loss and long-term recovery needs.
Mental Health Care
Long-term disability may also be critically important for those who are suffering from mental health changes. This includes psychosis and mental health disorders such as severe depression. It can also become necessary in people who are suffering from the progression of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Diabetes
Diabetics may be more likely to need long-term care as their condition worsens. This type of disease can create mobility concerns, especially due to the high risk of amputation from uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Many people are also at risk for strokes and may need medical support through IV medication to battle complications.
Obesity
Obesity is a disease, and when it occurs over the long term, it can lead to challenges in mobility and overall ability to care for oneself. Even though a person’s mind may be sharp, they may struggle with proper hygiene and daily tasks because of limitations from their weight, including medical complications that may arise from high blood pressure.
Nervous System Disorders
Some people suffer from conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, conditions that worsen over time. As they do, the need for more support and long-term care grows. Because of these types of conditions, having long-term disability insurance or long-term care coverage can be critical for many people. Even if a person seems healthy now, the chance of needing more care is high.