Selecting an extended care provider can be challenging, especially during emotional times. Having an advocate to help research long-term care options and providers can bring peace of mind. Don't hesitate to seek support from a trusted loved one.
Care settings: Pros and cons
A variety of long-term support services are available to meet an individual's unique needs. Start by consulting a physician for a care plan based on health assessments. The network of long-term care services can be complex and choosing quality services can result in better quality of life.
| Types of care | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Informal care | Receiving care from a loved one in your home or theirs can be a comfortable, familiar option. Freed up from responsibilities, the individual can enjoy time with family, feel happier and more satisfied. | Family members or other loved ones who provide care may be emotionally, physically and financially impacted, especially if they also work full time or have families of their own. |
| Home health care | The care recipient can remain in a comfortable, familiar environment and maintain some independence. Various services can help provide needed care. | Depending on the level of care needed, support services can be costly, especially during nights and weekends. At-home care personnel are typically paid by the hour, and it can be challenging to manage the scheduling of multiple providers. |
| Adult day care | This type of care allows the older adult to live at home or with a family member, but also remain engaged, active and safe for eight hours a day while the primary caregiver works. | The individual will need transportation to and from the adult day care center. A full day of activities can be exhausting or overwhelming. |
| Assisted living | In this type of facility, the older adult can receive tailored care with services ranging from assistance with chores to hands-on care. Living near and socializing with others is known to improve well-being and happiness. | Individuals may feel sadness or depression as a result of being separated from their home and loved ones, on top of the loss of their independence. |
| Nursing home | Living in a full-time facility ensures immediate access to medical-grade nursing care. | Moving into a nursing home can be a difficult transition, leading to loneliness, frustration and even depression. |
Putting a plan in motion
Many options are available in quality at-home care and residential facilities. Individuals with long-term care protection should contact their provider immediately to begin a claim and understand what's covered.
Step 1
Initiating benefits
Individuals with long-term care insurance should contact their provider to fully understand what's covered as they begin a claim. It's important to contact your insurance company before initiating any coverage. By learning what your coverage entails, you can make better decisions about how it's aligned to what you're able to receive.
If you have an existing long-term care policy
Please contact your carrier prior to contacting a provider or other entity.
Step 2
Choosing a care setting
This decision -- from remaining at home or moving to a new place -- may be made based on preference or on the level of care required as outlined in the plan of care.
If you have long-term care protection, it's important to remember that the care provider must be compatible with the insurance policy, otherwise reimbursement for expenses paid can become an issue.
As the population ages, demand for long-term care continues to increase. This demand may result in difficulties finding individuals to provide in-home care services and/or facilities placing prospective residents on a waiting list.
Step 3
Selecting a care provider
After the type of care is selected, looking for a reputable provider that offers support and services in line with your care need is next.
A variety of resources can be helpful in this search. Talk to friends and family about experiences they've had and use the internet to learn about options in your area.
Resources when researching care facilities
Better Business Bureau (BBB) - The BBB can provide information about complaints against service providers and details about any resolution. BBB ratings are provided for facilities that have been evaluated.
Long-term care ombudsman - An ombudsman can help advocate for quality care and assist individuals and families with locating services.
Nursing Home Compare - Nursing Home Compare is a reputable rating system based on three areas: health inspections, staffing and quality measures. The website lets users compare the ratings of different facilities located within the same ZIP code.
Senior Homes - Senior Homes offers advice and resources to help older adults find the right long-term care facility. The site provides information on different care settings, from assisted living to specialized nursing homes.
Next up: Adjusting to long-term care
Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, fiduciary, or investment advice.