Very few individuals want to think about their future needs for aging services and long-term care until it becomes a necessity that often leads to poor planning.  The biggest consequence of poor planning is a rushed decision that may not fit the individual’s needs.  Planning for unexpected illness, injury, or simply the typical needs of the elderly, can eliminate quick decision making on a wide variety of aging service options.  Additionally, planning increases an individual’s choices and gives them a say in the type of assistance they receive.

Assisted living facilities, retirement communities and nursing homes frequently have a waiting list for admission.  When a unit opens up, it will usually go to individuals on the waiting list before someone without an application.  In-home care service providers, such as Comfort Keepers, typically do not have waiting lists and allow the client to continue living independently in the comfort of their own home.  These services generally include companionship, home cooking, light housekeeping, shopping, transportation, and errands, but may also include personal care services such as bathing, feeding, transferring or incontinence care.

The cost of long-term care services is something for which many Americans are not prepared, and costs are expected to rise in the future.  Today in the United States, 6,000 people turn 65 every day, and one in five Americans will be older than age 65 by the year 2030 (American Association of Retired Persons, 2003).  This increase of U.S. seniors translates into more people looking for assistance with daily living activities at a staggering rate.

Figuring out how to pay for long-term care can be confusing, and reviewing payment options can be very complicated.  In the planning stages, it is often beneficial to speak with a professional about how to begin this process.  Lawyers, accountants, professional care coordinators or your Area Agency on Aging can explain the options and which direction to head.

People often assume health insurance will cover long-term care and, unfortunately, that is often untrue.  Understanding these programs will help to remove the financial burden upon you and your family.  Several legal documents ensure ones wishes about medical and long-term care are met if, when the time comes, you cannot act on your behalf.  It is also crucial to outline your future to prevent family conflicts during already stressful times.  This allows you to live in dignity and comfort in the future.

When you plan for long-term care, you are making decisions about your own life by choice, instead of other people making decisions for you in crisis.  For many, Comfort Keepers in-home care services are a care option that may be the long-term solution for an individual’s care needs.  However, in the event an individual’s needs go beyond what can be safely provided in the home, Comfort Keepers can be a resource and can offer research and information to help you in this process.

Founded in 1998 by a registered home health care nurse and her husband, the Comfort Keepers franchise system has grown to over 550 locations in 44 states, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.  Comfort Keepers has ranked as one of the top three franchises in senior care Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past four years.  For more information about Comfort Keepers, visit www.comfortkeepers.com.  Each office is independently owned and operated.

Overview of Some of the Different Payment Options Available for Long-Term Care:

Long-term care insurance will often times provide the assistance needed for an extended period if you cannot perform the activities of daily living.  It covers long-term care in a variety of settings, giving you the freedom to choose the type of care that fits your needs best.  All policies are different and it is important to find out exactly what services and types of care potential insurers will cover.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is an option that falls under Medicare as well as Medicaid and offers medical and socials services to elderly individuals allowing them to continue living at home (may not be available in all states).

Medicaid is a joint state-federal program that aids individuals who fall under a certain poverty level determined by the state.  Medicaid will often pay for the majority of nursing home costs, and is covering nearly 65 percent of all residents.  Long-term care is only covered when you are determined destitute and have exhausted your savings.  Medicaid will not cover assisted living or continuing care retirement communities.

Medicare is health insurance for people over the age of 65 as well as certain individuals who are disabled.  Many conditions limit long-term care coverage.  Medicare does not usually cover assisted living costs.  In-home care is only covered if the individual is homebound and requires skilled nursing care or therapy.  Medicare is intended to cover the various services that focus on recovery of a medical problem.

States may offer a variety of services to consumers under a Home and Community Based Services waiver program and the number of services that can be provided is not limited.  These programs may provide a combination of both traditional medical services (i.e. dental services, skilled nursing services) as well as non-medical services (i.e. respite, homemaking, and personal care).