Creating a Long-term Care Plan: Planning well in advance can help minimize the chances for elder abuse and nursing home neglect.

Ideally, a long-term care plan should be started well in advance of the actual need for such a plan. However, because of the unpleasant nature of the task, many people put it off until it's too late for planning and the time for action is immediate. Even if that's the case, a rushed plan may be better than no plan at all. Finding out what your elder wants and exactly what he or she does not want can be a big step to improving the quality of life for your elder. As part of the long-term care plan, think of discussing some or all of the following topics:  Caregivers - does your loved one have a preference as to the credentials or type of caregiver?  Nursing Home Care - are there any particular nursing homes that your loved one does not wish to be considered?  Assisted-Living Communities - if your loved one only needs support and not full-time care, is an assisted-living community an option?  Long-term care insurance - while expensive, long term care insurance can provide more options later in life.  Hospice care - does your loved one want hospice care if necessary? What about living will arrangements?  Financial Concerns - who will handle finances and other money matters once your loved one is in a long-term care facility? If your long term care plan falls through, and there are signs of nursing home abuse, or neglect, take steps to correct the situation immediately. Contact local authorities and elder abuse services. Also, consider hiring a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer to help represent your best interests in the case.