At one time or another--for ourselves or for someone close to us--it is likely that most of us will have to make an important decision about long-term care facilities or services.

We may have a need for long-term care services because of a physical or mental limitation, a chronic illness or a temporary or permanent disability. Should the need occur, we may be physically and mentally able to respond to the challenges of finding suitable types of care for ourselves. Then again, we may have to depend on family and friends, along with medical and social service professionals, to make the appropriate decision for us.

Because no one knows our preferences as well as we do, either case suggests that planning ahead is important. We can expect to be much more satisfied with the services and facilities we may need if we make our selections while we are capable of being the primary planner. By sharing our plans and personal wishes with our physician, family and other potential caregivers, we also relieve them of many of the stresses and doubts often present when having to make such important decisions for others.

THE CAREGIVER'S ROLE

With an increasingly longer life expectancy, most of us can expect to not only be required to find long-term care services or facilities for ourselves and our spouses but also for our parents. Thousands of American family members have already accepted the role of caregiver for a family member or a close friend. All of us would probably agree that having a long-term care path laid out in advance of an emergency can make economic and emotional sense. Should an unexpected illness or disability occur, we will have provided direction that reflects our wishes, thereby making the process much easier for those who may have to make decisions for us.

CONSIDERING YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS AND PERSONAL PREFERENCES

A long-term care decision can involve leaving what we know as 'home' for a new environment such as an assisted living facility or a facility that provides assistance or skilled nursing or custodial care. Leaving what we know may introduce emotional readiness and acceptance issues that can impact the normal decision-making process. There may also be family and friends who have special emotional and convenience needs --among them, wanting you as near as possible and wanting you to have quality care that's affordable.

We also want

• our personal views to be respected as well as those of our family and friends
  
• a voice in the decision process and, when possible, in the final decision and
  
• a lifestyle solution that is appropriate to our current physical and emotional needs--but one that can, if necessary, be changed.