Creating a Care Plan

PAYING FOR LONG-TERM CARE

Long-term care is a type of personal care service older adults may need if they become unable to care for themselves because of a prolonged physical illness, a disability or a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term care can be expensive. Long-term care insurance is designed to cover medical and personal services in a number of settings such as your home, adult day care, skilled nursing facility or assisted living community. Most long-term care insurance policies are individual policies and can differ from one company to the next. According to medicare.org, long-term care may be divided into three levels: Skilled care is continuous “around-the-clock” care designed to treat a medical condition and performed by skilled medical personnel, such as registered nurses or professional therapists. Ways to Pay Intermediate care is intermittent nursing and rehabilitative care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse’s aides under the • Medicaid supervision of a physician. • Medicare Custodial care is designed to assist \\ FALL/WINTER 2021 • • Long-term care insurance Long-term care riders attached to a life insurance policy or annuity with one’s activities of daily living (such as bathing, eating and dressing). It can be provided by someone without professional medical skills but is supervised by a physician. \\ SRGTEXAS.COM • • Accelerated death benefits from life insurance Personal cash or savings Texas created the Long-Term Care Partnership Program, which is a joint effort between private insurers and the state. For a list of companies participating in the program visit: tdi.texas.gov/consumer 28

Serving Aging Texans

in counties:

Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller & Wharton

Meals: Provide nourishing meals with socializing in senior centers and deliver to eligible homebound seniors.

Medicare & other Benefits Assistance: Trained benefits

counselors assist Texans over 65 or disabled understand, shop plans and apply for assistance programs for Medicare. Help with Medicaid, health insurance and legal assistance also available.

In-Home Services: Help seniors maintain independence with personal care assistance, health maintenance, home modifications/ accessibility and case management.

Caregiver Support Services: Help family caregivers

through a care system of respite care, support groups, and education. Targeting those with greatest economic needs, living in rural areas and caring for those with moderate impairments.

Nursing Home Advocates: Trained ombudsmen (advocates) visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure the quality of care and quality of life of residents. They inform residents of their rights and investigate and resolve complaints.

Information & Referrals: Link older Texans and disabled to community resources.