The goal of most, if not all, is to age in place at home (house, condo, 55+ community, apartment, senior housing complex) or in the home of a family member or friend, usually the actual caregiver. Most home care is provided on a voluntary basis by committed and dedicated family and friends. Sometimes that care is done or supplemented by caregivers who are paid by the one needing care or their family.
In other situations, all the care or supplemental care is provided by community programs through Medicaid (MassHealth), veterans’ benefits (and reimbursements), short-term Medicare, or long-term care insurance. Each and every option must be coordinated, implemented, and continuously reassessed and adjusted. Obtaining care through Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, long-term care insurance, or private pay can be extremely stressful, complicated, and time-consuming. Understanding the financial requirements, rules, and regulations, and protecting assets while managing care, adds to the stress. Hiring competent professionals for guidance and implementation is essential.
If home care is not an option, or more commonly is no longer an option, the next step is moving down the continuum to assisted living or nursing homes. Assisted living often provides a greater quality and standard of life than a nursing home, but except for rarely available Medicaid subsidies, it is private pay and costly, unless long-term care insurance was purchased when healthy. In many cases, someone cannot afford assisted living, and a nursing home with Medicaid/MassHealth must be the final caregiving option.
Given the stress, complications, and financial implications involved in assisted living or nursing home placement, careful assessment and thoughtful decision-making are essential. Professional guidance can make this process much more manageable. Contact Senior Resource Center, Inc. to discuss your options and get the support you need to make informed caregiving decisions.
-Anthony Falco | CEO/Founder of Senior Resource Center Inc.
