Long Term Care Planning
Long Term Care is about managing the loss of your independence, due to either a Cognitive Impairment or needing help with Activities of Daily Living ADL’S. This type of care is called custodial care not skilled care. Medicare does not cover custodial care.
Most skilled care services are covered benefits provided by your Health Insurance. Your health insurance may be provided by your employer, or you may have Medicare Health Insurance. Medicare was never designed to provide custodial care.
If you need this type of care… How would that affect your family?
Are you aware of the Burden… that gets placed on your spouse or kids?
In addition to the burden, how will you access caregivers and other services?
Where will the money come from?
Why Long-Term Care Planning?
- I don’t want to be a burden to my family / others
- To Protect my 401K, assets / savings
- I’m a planner…. Concerned about my future / retirement
- Security / peace of mind
- I want to choose the type of care I would need
- Medicare does not pay for custodial care
Substantial Assistance with Activities of Daily Living:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Transferring
- Continence
- Eating
Substantial Supervision due to:
- A Cognitive Impairment
Types of Support
Home Care
Care received in your own home, often provided by family and friends.
Personal care or skilled home care services by professional:
- Home Health Aids
- Therapist
- Nurses
- Personal Care Attendants
- Homemaker Services
Community Care
- Supports ability to stay at home
- Adult Care Provides drop-in care during the day
- Respite Care provides temporary overnight care as a relief for caregivers
Assisted Care Facilities
- Community, apartment-like setting
- 24-hour personal and custodial care
- Spouse is welcome as live-in
- Recognized as predominant choice for long term care
Nursing Homes
- 24-hour Custodial Care Nursing Services
- More Intuitional or Hospital like setting
- Skilled Nursing and Therapy