LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Choosing a long-term care facility for a parent or loved one can be one of the most difficult decisions a family will face, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. That was the message delivered to Lima Rotarians during a recent meeting focused on senior care planning.
Two local senior care officials, Samantha Kerner, director of sales at Springview Manor, and Jessica Trinko, executive director of Lima Convalescent Home, spoke to the group about how the landscape of senior health care has evolved over the years and what families should consider when making long-term care decisions.
Jessica Trinko, executive director of Lima Convalescent Home, spoke to the group about how the landscape of senior health care has evolved over the years and what families should consider when making long-term care decisions.
Kerner highlighted the importance of understanding the range of services available and the different types of care facilities.
“The resources that we look for are, you know, if they need help with applying for Veterans Assistance, if they need help applying for Medicaid, if they don't understand what the difference between health center and memory care is, or assisted living and so forth,” Kerner said.
Trinko emphasized that every individual has unique needs and that it’s essential to explore various options early in the process.
“Everybody has a unique need. And so really looking at all the different options and exploring what's best for them. So maybe you see something and you think, ‘Well, that one's going to be perfect for my parent,’ but you really need to explore and have those conversations early on so you really understand what options that you need to look for and what's going to be a best fit for them,” Trinko said.
Both speakers encouraged families to contact potential facilities directly to ask questions, gather information, and make informed decisions.
They also addressed concerns about the cost of care, urging families not to fear the financial aspect but to understand available funding options and seek assistance when necessary.
