Have you planned for long-term care yet? Are you familiar with the process and the types of care options available? These are the questions many people face when considering long-term care options for their loved ones.
No one ever knows if long-term care is needed for a family member, but an unexpected accident, illness, or injury can suddenly change things. It typically happens naturally as people get older and more frail, or when an illness or disability worsens. The best time to think about long-term care is before you even need it.
Talking With Your Elderly Parents About Long-Term Care Options
It can be difficult to make the decision about whether a loved one needs to leave home. You may have already had the dreaded “it’s time to put them in a nursing home” conversation with members of your family. Ensuring that the wishes and plans of the loved one in advance of needing care is critical for a successful long-term plan.
Sometimes decisions need to be made quickly, but oftentimes a family has plenty of time to search for the best place to receive care. Many of us prefer to stay in our own homes, but agreeing to that option may close the door to the right care option for the family. For some people and for some illnesses, professional health care in a long-term care facility is the only choice.
In addition to family members and loved ones, it’s important to convey your plans to other key contacts, including financial, tax and insurance advisors, attorneys and other members of your care team. Be sure you provide access to important documents like insurance policies, health records and financial accounts.
Long-Term Care Requires Planning Ahead
Being proactive by educating yourself now about potential care options can make it easier to establish a firm plan. Planning financially for your future health is just as important as other life events, such as weddings and retirement.
Make sure you have an estate plan in place that includes a will, trustee and designated power of attorney for your healthcare and financial decisions. A power of attorney can ensure that medical decisions are made and bills get paid if you’re unable to do so.
The Many Financial Decisions of Long-Term Care
Most people will require some type of long-term care when they get older — from part-time assistance to living full-time in a nursing facility. The cost can depend on a range of factors, but without a plan to pay for it, a major health incident can quickly lead to a financial catastrophe. Sadly, many people don’t find this out until it’s too late.
There is a great misunderstanding that health insurance or Medicare will cover the cost of a nursing home stay. In most cases, this is simply not true. Long-term care insurance options vary greatly so it’s important to review the details of each option. In some cases, a shared policy with a spouse can include a life insurance component. Also, a long-term care insurance policy can be used and worked into an estate planning strategy.
Long-term care can be expensive so it’s important to explore your options when it comes to cost. Below are a few options when considering long-term care:
Medicaid
Most states provide Medicaid to anyone who is receiving benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. For the most part, to be eligible for Medicaid you must be one of the following: be age 65 or older; have a permanent disability as that term is defined by the Social Security Administration; be blind; be a pregnant woman; be a child, or the parent or caretaker of a child. Also, you must meet certain other requirements, such as: be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration rules; be a resident of the state where you apply; and have a social security number.
Veterans’ Benefits
Services at home and in the community are part of the VA Medical Benefits package. All enrolled Veterans are eligible for these services. However, to get the service you must have a clinical need for it, and the service must be available in your location. Services in the VA Standard Benefits Package include: geriatric evaluation to assess your care needs and to create a care plan; adult day health care; respite care; and skilled home health care.
Older Americans Act Benefits
Older Americans Act programs provide home and community-based services through state and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in each state to individuals over 60 years of age. Long-term care services include, but are not limited to personal care, nutrition services, transportation, and adult day care.
Private Pay
Many older adults pay for care using their own personal funds, including personal savings, a pension or retirement fund, income from stocks and bonds, or proceeds from the sale of a home.
The Maplewood | Distinctly Different
If a long-term care facility is needed for your loved one, discover The Maplewood, the premier long-term care nursing facility located in Rochester, NY. A family-owned business for over 70 years, the facility has been designated a center of excellence in care, designed to elevate the whole-family experience.
Residents live with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their needs will always be met with exceptional, personalized care, all day, every day. They have a voice in all aspects of their lives. A personalized approach is essential for providing the best possible care and quality of life.
A plan of care is always developed to specifically address individual needs. Each Maplewood care plan combines resident and family input with the efforts of the physician, nurses, and other disciplines such as therapy, dining services, social services and recreation.
The staff works closely with the residents and family members, providing advocacy and support for addressing the challenges associated with aging and increasing care needs.
The Maplewood Lifestyle
In addition to exceptional care, all residents enjoy a lifestyle that only The Maplewood offers. Residents live in private suites and benefit from an array of amenities such as restaurant quality dining, room service, activities and recreation, salon services, massage therapy, and much more.
Rooms, common spaces, dining areas—all of the spaces at The Maplewood are designed for the enjoyment and benefit of residents, their families, and their friends. We believe the details matter—decor with warm elegance, restaurants with ambiance as welcoming as the wait staff, cozy gathering spots for family moments, as well as larger gathering spaces for life-enriching activities. We’re designed to make the most of every moment.
24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care
Our nursing staff, in collaboration with our attending physician and nurse practitioners, provides exceptional care to every resident 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. A large number of our nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) have been working here for many years.
They’ve formed special relationships with our residents and families, which enhances and personalizes the care and support they provide. Our devoted, experienced nurses and CNAs also serve as mentors as they help newer staff deliver the high level of care and compassion that’s expected at The Maplewood.
In-House Medical Services
In an effort to maximize health, comfort, and convenience, additional in-house medical services are available to residents, including: ophthalmologist, podiatrist, urologist, dermatologist, dentist, dietician and audiologist.
How to Prepare For Long-Term Care
Here are a few things you can do now to prepare for long-term care:
- Make your residence safe and comfortable once mobility becomes impaired
- Establish a financial plan
- Become familiar with your family’s medical history
- Prepare the legal work (wills, powers of attorney) and convey final wishes to your loved ones
Contact Us
We invite you to take a virtual tour to see our facility and learn about The Maplewood’s distinctly different approach to nursing care. For more information about our services, contact Lynn Pierce at (585) 872-1800, ext. 4022.
