Paying for Care
This is a concern for most people who find that they need extra help. Whether it’s help with the laundry or daily support for someone with greater needs, the first question is "how will we pay for it?"
Paying for care is better described as a range of options than a one-size fits all answer. Today it may be one option and next year, another. It may include a combination of payment options and unpaid supports. It will depend on your personal preferences, needs and resources. Options Counseling through the ADRC can help you sort through the choices for today while also planning for the future.
- Services in or out of home care, residential care (i.e. assisted living), nursing home care, respite, personal care, transportation and more
- Paid for with monthly income, assets, funds from investments, etc.
- Options Counseling helps you weigh the pros and cons and compare the costs of different options
- Decide what you want based on the available choices, cost and your specific needs
- Contact the ADRC for more information or explore the ADRC resource database.
Often a combination of family or informal support, private pay and other resources is the best option to provide the needed support while conserving resources for the long term. Medicare or private insurance can cover limited short-term skilled care in a nursing home or through a Home Health Agency providing nursing, home health aide, physical, speech and occupational therapy.
- Some people have purchased long-term care insurance. Be familiar with your policy and what it provides under what circumstances.
- Short-term grants for respite or other services are options to explore.
- Volunteer agencies can provide companionship and transportation.
- Some services such as Senior dining or home delivered meals are available on a donation basis.
- Contact the ADRC for more information or explore the ADRC resource database.
Medical Assistance Personal Care provides in-home help with the activities of daily living to financially qualified persons. Some additional activities may also be included such as house cleaning and personal grooming.
A registered nurse assesses the individual’s home care needs and the number of hours of assistance required. An official "Plan of Care" is developed. After receiving a doctor’s sign-off, it is submitted to the state for approval. Providers then come to the participant’s home and provide the assistance.
Publicly funded long-term care programs are designed to assist individuals to remain in their homes, remain as independent as possible, and to delay nursing home placement. To be eligible for the programs, you must be:
- Age 18 or older
- Frail elder (age 65 and older), developmentally disabled, or physically disabled
- Functionally qualify based on the Long Term Care Functional Screen
- Financially qualify for Medicaid
The ADRC is the front door into the long term care programs. Call 262-605-6646 for more information.