August 2019
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Assisted Living
Assisted Living 2019
Assisted Living: Weighing the Options AARP
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ssisted living residences are aimed at helping residents remain as self-sufficient as possible with the assurance of assistance when needed. A combination of housing, meals, personal care and support, social activities, 24-hour supervision and, in some residences, health-related services is usually provided. Assisted living facilities are a great choice for those who can’t live on their own, but do not need nursing care. As needs change, these facilities offer different levels of care at different costs – and some are even associated with nursing facilities should your loved one eventually need full-time nursing care. There is no standard for assisted living residences, which vary in size, appearance, cost, and services offered. Some residences provide only meals, basic housekeeping, and help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Others go beyond these services and furnish transportation and certain health services. Facilities range from small homes with just a few residents to high-rise apartment-style buildings with hundreds of residents. Living areas could be a single room or a full apartment with a small kitchen, with prepared meals also served in a common dining area. If assisted living sounds like the right choice for your loved one, here are some steps to help begin your search:
Finding Facilities
Start by making a list of residences to visit. The following resources can help: • The state or local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). • The local yellow pages. • The long-term care ombudsman’s office. • The state licensing agency. • Friends and neighbors.
• Retirement guides. • The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), which provides lists of its member residences by each state. These are mostly for-profit residences. The lists do not include all residences in each state. • The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA), which provides lists of member residences by state. These are not-for-profit. • The Eldercare Locator helps you find the closest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office and the state long-term care ombudsman’s office. Keep in mind that assisted living residences are not defined or regulated by the federal government. Each state decides how they’re licensed. Be sure to find out from the AAA or state health department how the state where you are searching handles this. Make sure all the residences on your list are appropriately licensed—if one of them isn’t, cross it off and move on. Check, too, with the state
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licensing agency and ombudsman’s office to see if there have been complaints filed against the facilities on the list. Don’t assume that a state license ensures quality care.
Next: Make the Call
Call each potential residence and ask for a general overview of their facilities. Remember that the person you speak with will most likely be a marketing or sales representative whose job is to promote the residence. If you’re still interested after the call, ask that more information be mailed to you or your loved one, including: • Brochures. • A price list. • A map or floor plan. • A copy of the residents’ rights and rules. Copies of all the documents that will need to be signed before admittance, including, most important, the contract (sometimes referred to as residency, occupancy, or admission agreements). Once you receive these materials, review them carefully with your loved one and write down all the questions that come to mind. Strike any residences from your list that don’t meet your criteria.
Plan to Visit
First, it is imperative that you involve your loved one in the choices about his or her care. Take them with
you on the tours of each facility and let them handle as much of the talking and decision-making as possible. Second, take these questions, along with the residence-specific questions that arose while reviewing the mailed materials, with you. As you and your loved one meet with staff and take a tour, pay attention to how you feel and your surroundings. Spend time with the staff and residents. Ask them what they like and dislike about the place. Make a second, unannounced visit on a weekend or in the evening. You may find out important information by dropping by unannounced.
The Cost of Assisted Care
Assisted living can be costly. About four out of five people pay for it out of pocket. Medicare does not cover assisted living. While more states are starting to cover some services under Medicaid or other government programs, public payment is not common in the assisted living industry. State Medicaid agencies can provide information about eligibility and covered services. Before you seriously consider assisted living as an option for your loved one, decide whether you and your loved one can afford it long-term. Keep in mind that the cost will rise over time because of standard cost-of-living increases. Also, expect monthly price hikes for extra services as needs change.
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August 2019
Assisted Living
How can I pay for assisted living? T
he cost of Assisted Living Facilities nationwide Living. Let’s get started. can vary from $2,000 - $5,000 per month. Sometimes people have a false sense of security Long Term Care Insurance about what their insurance will pay. If you have a Long-Term Care insurance policy, It’s important to know right up front that it should cover assisted living as well. If there is a Medicare will not pay for assisted living. But, don’t policy designated for home care, it should be able to give up all hope yet. There are a few other things be used for assisted living too. There are “facilityyou should investigate first. only” policies which covers care only in a licensed Have you ever heard: “You need to know what assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility. you need to know before you can ask questions”? OctoberMost 28,insurance 2019 policies are very hard for the Unfortunately, this is the case more times than not. general public to understand, but knowing your You are often at the mercy of the person on the other benefits will be very helpful in making sure you get end of the phone or other side of the desk. what you have paid for. It is very common for Depending on how they feel that day, how eager insurance companies to decline payment on the first they are to get home, or how devoted they are toNovember 8, 2019 go round. Many times you or an advocate at the helping people often makes aDecember difference in the 1, 2019 assisted living facility will need to contact the information they share with you. insurance companies and discuss these issues in There have been times when I have felt that order to get approval. To qualify most companies people “blow me off” instead of helping me with will require that you need help in at least two areas my needs. Keep this in mind when you get short of ADL’s (Activities of Daily Living) such as answers. Don’t let them off the hook so easy. Ask bathing, eating, dressing, transferring from bed to questions to see if there is any way you could chair, walking, and toileting. qualify. This is important to you. Make sure you get Long Term Care insurance benefits vary widely all your questions answered. depending on the policy. Benefits can range from Some senior living communities offer a $1,500 to more than $9,000 per month. “financial concierge service” that can help guide you through the process of qualifying for benefits. Life Insurance Another helpful option is a “geriatric planner”. When we think of Life Insurance benefits, we These people can save you a lot of time. They will typically think that the funds are not available until have a wealth of knowledge and cut down the amount of time it takes to find out what your options the person’s death. But a life insurance policy can provide financial support now, if that’s when the are. However, if you cannot afford or cannot find a money would be most helpful. There are several geriatric planner, with a little determination and perseverance you can achieve the same results. Here different ways that policies can be used to pay for care while the person is still alive. Ask your Life are the most common ways people pay for Assisted
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Insurance Agent about cashing out the policy, accelerated, or living benefits. It can be called any of those terms. What usually happens is the company will buy the policy back for 50 to 75 percent of its value. The rules will be different depending on the company and type of policy. Some policies can only be cashed in if the policyholder is terminally ill; others are much more flexible. If the company won’t cash it in, you can sell the policy to a third-party company in return for a “life settlement” or “senior settlement,” which is usually 50 to 75 percent of the policy’s face value. After buying the policy, and giving you the percentage, the third party company continues to pay the premiums until the policyholder dies. At which time the company receives the benefits. There are also options called “life assurance” benefit or life insurance conversion program. This allows seniors to switch the benefit of a life insurance policy into long-term care payments. Life insurance conversion typically pays between 15 and 50 percent of the value of the policy. Although this is less than a life settlement, it is an option for lesser-value policies that might not qualify for life settlement.
Veterans Benefits
The VA (Veteran’s Administration) can be very generous when taking care of those who served. If you or your loved one is a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that can be used to pay for residential care. If you have service-related injuries or disabilities it will be easy.
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Assisted Living
PAY/ from page 2 But there is another set of
benefits, known as “Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit with Aide and Attendance” (Aid and Attendance for short) that pays toward the cost of assisted living. This is available to veterans or a surviving spouse who is disabled and whose income is below a certain limit. A veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty and/or at least one day during wartime. The medical condition doesn’t need to be service related, but you must meet medical qualification. There is varying information on how much this pays, but the average is a maximum benefit of $1,949 a month for married veterans, $1,644 for single veterans and $1,056 for a surviving spouse. You will need to apply through the Veteran’s Administration. Along with your military discharge papers, you will need a valid medical condition that makes you appropriate for assisted living with a letter stating such from your doctor. It may decrease time in the office if you also complete the formal application form “Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension”. VA FORM 21-526, Parts A, B, C, and D.
Consider Selling or Renting if you Own Your Home If nobody needs to remain in the
beyond what many can afford for very long. However, when all your resources have been exhausted, you can apply for Medicaid.
Medicaid
home, this can be a valuable resource. Many times Mom and Dad’s house is treasured and families aren’t ready to take this huge step. If that’s the case, consider renting the home which will give you a monthly income that could cover the cost of assisted living.
Reverse Mortgage
If you own your own home and your spouse still needs a place to live, a reverse mortgage might be just the solution you’re looking for. This allows you to borrow money on the equity you have built up in your home. When the last person is gone from the home, the money needs to be repaid which usually means selling the home. This is probably not the best choice for a home that you want to keep in
the family.
Bridge Loan
If you have trouble liquidating assets quickly, these short term loans are becoming more popular. They are usually available up to $50,000 and designed to fund the move to assisted living. Usually used while waiting for the sale of property or to be approved for a pension.
Private Pay
Personal income or savings is the simplest route, but the cost of a month’s rent can quickly use up your savings. You can also cash in personal investment portfolios, like 401k plans or IRAs. Often paying out of pocket is
Assisted Living and Memory Care with a whole lotta heart. In other words, MacKenzie Place has a whole bunch of heartfelt help and care. And, grammar aside, you’ll feel a whole lotta at home here, too. But don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. Please call (719) 207-8691 now to schedule. And bring a friend. Or come meet a few new ones.
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If you have no savings, financial assets, and your income is low, you may qualify for government assistance or Medicaid, which is a federal program, but administered by each individual state. Medicaid covers medical benefits for low income citizens with few assets. There is no rule that requires Medicaid to pay for assisted living. Many states will allow partial payment but not room and board. Over 40 states permit some type of funding for assisted living but it varies greatly. Some states use a Medicaid Waiver program in which a set number of clients can be served so there may be a waiting list. Medicaid approval is based on financial need. You cannot “hide” things from the Medicaid office. There is a 5 year “look back” period. They will go over your financial transactions for the past 5 years and any gifts of money or assets made during that time period are counted as your resources. If you are caught trying to spend or “hide” your resources, the penalties are strict and you may be disqualified from receiving Medicaid benefits for a long time.
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Assisted Living
August 2019
Long Term Care
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Insur ances Accepted Medicare, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid and many more
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August 2019
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Assisted Living
2019 Assisted Living
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Assisted Living
Compassionate Assisted Living for Your Loved One Freedom Home Assisted Living, Inc provides a place where people feel at home. Residents benefit by living in a comfortable home with excellent care surrounded by people who enjoy being with them. We adapt to individual needs, care, and preferences. Families have peace of mind knowing that their loved one is well cared for, safe and engaged with others. Our staff benefit by having a positive team environment where they can take leadership in their area of interest.
Why Should You Choose Freedom Home Assisted Living, For You or Your Loved One? Care For Your Loved One As Long As They Need It Rates Stay the Same Throughout Their Stay Full-Time and On Call RN Nurse Practitioner makes house calls to our facility and acts as a Primary care Provider to most residents We Accept Long-Term Care Insurance Daytime Staffing is 2-3 care staff to 8 residents Nighttime Awake Staff Member
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10080 Lexington Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 8395 Clifton Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 www.FreedomHomeForSeniors.com
August 2019
August 2019
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Assisted Living
Cripple Creek Care Center Your Colorado Mountain Home Dedicated to Quality
Committed to Caring
Here....We Are Family
Offering Quality 24/7 Skilled Nursing Care... ...With Love Long and Short Term Residency Care ~ Post Hospital / Surgical / Accident Recovery Care ~ Caregiver Respite Program ~ Palliative Team Care In-House Rehabilitative Therapy Services ~ In Facility Hospice Care ~ Registered Dietitian Approved Menus ~ Full Residents’ Activity Calendar VA APPRoVeD ~ Medicare / Medicaid ~ Private Pay
www.cc-care.org If you would like to learn more about making our home your home, visit our website, or contact Admissions Director Lanloni Bancroft directly at 719-689-2931, or Lbancroft@cc-care.org. And come on home to the mountains.
700 North ‘A’ Street ~ Cripple Creek, CO Like Us On Facebook!
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719.689.2931
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Assisted Living
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August 2019