If you’re alive, breathing, and aging (and if you’re reading this – that means you!), chances are strong that at some point, you’ll need long-term care: nearly 70% of American seniors are currently receiving these services.
So what exactly is “long-term care,” who provides it, where is it provided, and who pays for it? Nightingale Homecare is pleased to answer your long-term care questions with facts and help dispel some of the more commonly believed myths.
What is long-term care?
First of all, the basics. Long-term care covers a broad range of supportive services that are typically non-medical, such as assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.) and help with everyday tasks (housework, shopping and errands, finance management, caring for pets, etc.).
Who provides long-term care?
Long-term care can come from a variety of sources, often initially through the unpaid benevolence of family, friends, and neighbors. However, when care needs intensify and become overwhelming for those providing care, hiring professional long-term care services through an experienced home care agency, such as Nightingale Homecare, is an excellent alternative to ensure the senior’s care needs are best met and to prevent family caregiver burnout.
Where can long-term care be provided?
The short answer is…anywhere! Although long-term care is most often provided (and most preferred) at home, it’s also available through community support services such as adult day care centers, or facility-based in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement communities. Long-term care can also be provided in a family member’s home.
Who pays for long-term care?
The government will cover costs, of course; right? Unfortunately, Medicare’s coverage is quite limited, and only pays:
- If skilled services or rehab care are required, up to a maximum of 100 days in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) but often much less (an average of 22 days).
- Personal care only for a short duration, and only if skilled care is also required.
Medicare does NOT cover ongoing personal care services or everyday tasks which make up the majority of long-term care needs.
Although Medicaid does cover a portion of long-term care cost, there are income and state eligibility requirements that need to be met.
While there are some federal programs that cover long-term care expenses (such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Older Americans Act), they’re for specific populations and circumstances only.
The majority of long-term care is paid for privately, through a number of resources (personal savings, long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, just to name a few).
The best time to plan for long-term care needs for yourself and your loved ones is today! Allow the professional Phoenix home care experts at Nightingale Homecare to share more about your long-term care options by contacting us at 602-504-1555. We’ve been providing Arizona home care since 1994 and would be glad to talk with you to explain your options and answer any long-term care questions you may have.
