When it comes to thinking about your future, where would you rather live your golden years? In nursing homes where many of your freedoms and familiarities are disrupted, or in the comforts of your own home, with some support? Most seniors wish to age at home, avoiding nursing homes altogether. However, there are many wrong ideas about who will pay for care in your own home. Many may think they can cover home care costs with Medicare or Medicaid or insurance, but the reality is, most home care clients pay with private money. Though Medicare does cover home health care on a limited basis, if it’s considered to be medically necessary, it does not cover homemaker services – and, most health insurance and Medicare supplemental plans don’t cover any sort of in-home care.
According to Rod Perkins, VP of insurance regulation of the American Council of Life Insurers, “Baby boomers have seen their parents have long-term care needs and weren’t prepared. And it’s not just an old-age product. You could need in-home care as a result of an accident.”
If you and your elderly friends and family aren’t in a position to pay out of pocket for home care, however, rest assured that there are some other paths to explore, such as:
- Veterans’ aid (click here to check eligibility requirements)
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
- Long-term care insurance policies that particularly include in-home care services
- Reverse mortgages
- Organizations geared to help with certain needs, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, the ALS Association, and Easter Seals, may deliver respite care vouchers
- Community support, such as through religious organizations, the local Area on Aging, the United Way and area senior centers
The Benefits.gov site is also a great resource to find out which federal benefits you could qualify for. And, make contact with Home Sweet Home In-Home Care for further resources and guidance on ensuring that no stone is left unturned when considering providing home care for your precious elderly loved ones. We’re skilled at checking out every possible avenue to help families locate any benefits for which their older loved ones qualify. Avoid a move to a nursing home. We can help with professional home care in Niles, MI or the surrounding areas. Contact us online or call us at (866) 299-2505. Click here to view our locations page.