Once our health begins to deteriorate, it is common to experience these fives stages of care:
- Level One – Independence: We can typically maintain our independence.
- Level Two – Interdependence: When we begin to need care, that care usually begins at home with help from family, or formal care services such as in-home caregivers.
- Level Three – Supportive Living: Usually begins once in-home care options are exhausted. Families then consider alternative arrangements, such as Assisted living, Adult family homes, Memory care, or Nursing Home care.
- Level Four – Crisis Management: May happen due to a fall, stroke, or other health event that requires rehabilitation.
- Level Five – Dependence: Is the need for 24-hour skilled care that is provided in a skilled nursing facility.
When you are aware of the different stages of care and you prepare for them, you limit the chaos that comes when you are unprepared.