Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Eldercare Terms 101

By Rue Nichols


Looking for some kind of eldercare facility for a loved one or your own need may present a rather confusing world to traverse in. It is wise that before you choose to get into this world you are at least familiar with common phrases and terms describing every facility and benefits each has. To help you learn more easily, read the information below.

You will find several types of care which actually has half a dozen different names connected with them at least. Let us cite the assisted living as an example. You might hear people calling it sheltered housing, domiciliary care, adult living facility or perhaps community based retirement facility. Communities such as these basically have many private apartments for residents. The monthly fees paid include full meal services, usually a pool and exercise facility, an assortment of activities and ready help for residents' daily chores. Just don't expect medical care from here as well as accommodation of any form of government assistance to suffice for the fees.

Board and care facilities are another option, and these are smaller with only about five or six people and sometimes less. They are located in private residential homes and meals, housekeeping, laundry and daily help are included in the rates, but residents have a private bedroom rather than an apartment. These also are called boarding homes, residential care homes or group homes. Sometimes benefits such as Supplemental Security Income can be used to pay for a portion or all of the fees. Sometimes a Medicaid 1915-c waiver also can be used to cover the costs of living in these facilities.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides extra income for seniors with very low incomes. This income can help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Generally, this program is designated for the elderly or those who are disabled or blind. SSI might be used to pay for some board and care facility costs, but typically not nursing homes.

Medicaid is another government program that can be a helpful resource for seniors. It is a social health care program and sometimes those receiving SSI benefits also become enrolled in Medicaid, which can provide them with health insurance. Medicaid is different from Medicare, although they sound similar. Medicare also provides insurance, but everyone who works pays into this trust fund. It's quite similar, in theory, to Social Security. Money from paychecks is deducted to cover our future Medicare costs. Medicaid and SSI, on the other hand, is collected from general tax dollars and used to help those who are poor, disabled, aged and unable to work for a variety of reasons.

Medicaid often can be used to pay for residence in a skilled nursing facility. This is often the only option for older adults who no longer can live alone, but cannot afford either assisted living or board and care or in-home care. Medicare can be used to pay for medical expenses in a nursing home, but not residential costs if you are simply living there but need no nursing care. These facilities also commonly are called nursing homes. Another option for those with a small income is a Veteran's care home, which obviously is open only to veterans and their spouses. Care ranges from independent living, assisted living and full skilled nursing care.

Around San Diego or Orange County, looking for eldercare options can be easier with Care Placement. The staff members will help you figure out which care comes best for your needs as well as financial capability. They have a list of appropriate facilities you can then visit and do your comparison for the realization of the best care services option to choose.




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