Long-term care (LTC) refers to a range of services and support that help you perform everyday activities. LTC can be provided in a nursing home A nursing home, also called a long-term care facility, is a residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability. Nursing home services include room and board, nursing care, personal care, and therapy services. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a nursing home that provides skilled care, but not all nursing homes are SNFs. Medicare does not cover the cost of nursing homes that are not SNFs. , assisted living dacility , or other setting, and may include medical care, therapy, 24-hour care, personal care Personal care, also known as unskilled care, is assistance with activities of daily living. Providers of personal care (home health aides) are not required to undergo medical training. Medicare only covers personal care if you are homebound and receiving skilled care. , and custodial care Custodial care, also known as homemaker services, is non-medical care including light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation. Medicare generally does not cover custodial care except as incidental to covered home health care. (homemaker services). Medicare Medicare is the federal government health insurance program that provides health care coverage if you are 65 or older, are under 65 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, begin receiving SSDI due to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) no matter your age. You can receive health coverage directly through the federal government (see Original Medicare) or through a private company (see Medicare Advantage). usually does not cover LTC services. However, if you need care, there are other organizations and forms of insurance you can try:
- Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a limited income. Medicaid Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health coverage for certain people with limited income and assets. is the country’s largest payer of LTC services and will pay for nursing home care. Medicaid benefits also coordinate with Medicare.
- An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) may be able to provide counseling and connect you with services in your area.
- Local senior centers may have programs that can deliver meals, provide transportation and shopping assistance, and offer case management. To find senior centers in your area, call your local AAA.
- Faith-based organizations and charities may offer services, financial assistance, and/or referrals to other organizations in your area.
- Geriatric care managers are health and human services professionals who work privately with you and your family to create a Plan of Care A plan of care is a doctor’s written plan describing the type and frequency of health services a particular patient needs. that meets your needs.
In certain areas, you can dial 2-1-1 to ask for referrals to community services. You can also contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for assistance and counseling.
If you are unsure what kind of care you need, you may want to start by asking your pProvider .