November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month. During this time, we show support for those giving and receiving long-term care, and also, raise awareness and encourage everyone to have a plan ready for themselves as they near age 65 or older.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 70% of adults over the age of 65 will need some kind of long-term care services at some point in their lives, so having a plan can save you a lot of trouble later. But, thinking about long-term care for yourself or a loved one can be overwhelming. We have what you need to know about long-term care to help make the process easier.
Long-term care doesn’t just happen in a senior living facility
There are many types of long-term care services someone may choose in their lifetime, depending on their needs. Older adults may elect to have home-based care by a hired nurse, like a certified home health aide, or from a family caregiver. Some aspects of long-term care can also be provided in a person’s community such as in an adult day program, like PACE CNY. Services like these often provide daily recreation therapy, meals, transporation to appointments and social activities.
Your insurance could cover Long-term care services
Informing yourself on coverage for long-term care services is an important part of the planning process. Depending on the type of insurance you have, your plan could cover the cost of long-term care services. How much will depend on what type of insurance you have, how long you need the care for, and what other benefits the plan may offer in conjunction, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like cancer or heart disease.
We can help too
If you have questions about long-term care services at Loretto, our Senior Outreach Coordinator has answers. Visit lorettocny.org/navigator to Navigate With Kate. She’ll get you connected to the right services and facilities, guide you through the admissions process and steer you in the right direction as you prepare for long-term care.