Seniors Stay At Home with Chronic Conditions

The National Council on aging says that Seniors with a chronic health condition have unique needs when deciding to take out a reverse mortgage. I s the impaired elder able to stay at home and for how long? A person's level of impairment will affect how long the loan funds will last that will pay for the services that assist in maintiaining an at home status. For a severly impaired elder, it may be best to sell the house and move them to a place that offers more support.

Key Facts

• By the year 2030, 20% of all U.S. Residents will be over age 65. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census 1996, 32 states will have populations the size of Florida.
• The National Council on Aging states that 13% of households where the youngest owner is age 62 and older (2.5 million) need help with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) or IADLs (Instrumental ADLs). 16% have difficulty with these activities, but can still do them on their own.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2003, Alzheimer's Association 2005 noted that more than 2/3s of all older people who need help with everyday tasks live at home, including more than 70% of those with Alzheimer's disease.

Medicaid and private long-term care insurance companies typically use this measurement to determine and define losses in ability that may qualify a person for benefits. People who are unable to perform two or mor ADLs without help are regarded as having a sever impairment and usually quality for benefits. Measuring the functionality of physical ability reflects a person's ability to manage their environment and take care of themselves.

• IADLs - Limitations with activities such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, using the telephone, and money management. Often these activities can be accomplished with a minimum of outside help. Difficulties with household activities is often a sign that the elder is becoming frail and will need more help in the near future.
• ADLs- Limitations that require daily attendtion for aging at home. This might include feeding oneself, bathing, dressing, transferring from a bed to a chair, and using the bathroom safely.