Automakers Add New Features to Meet Needs of Older Drivers

In addition to regular health insurance, long-term care insurance, or LTC insurance, is worth considering as part of senior care, whether for yourself or your parents.When you need this type of insurance, it can be too late to get it, so it is critical to consider it in advance when planning for the future. This guide answers the question, What is long-term care insurance? and provides more information for your planning process. Table of Contents: What is Long-term Care (LTC) Insurance?How Does Long-Term Care Insurance Work?Who May Need LTC Insurance?Who May Not Need LTC Insurance?How Do You Qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance?Benefits of Long-Term Care InsuranceWhere to Find LTC Insurance?LTC AlternativesWhat Is Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance?Generally, regular health insurance plans do not cover long-term care services. This is where long-term care or LTC insurance comes in. It can cover services that help you with activities of daily living (ADLs), like assistance with showering and eating.This insurance helps cover personal and custodial services whether you or your loved one still lives at home or has moved to a community, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. It could also cover some services provided by a human services community organization.There are newer types of LTC insurance, including combination, hybrid, asset-based, and linked benefit options. It may be worth looking into your options and seeing whether a certain type could suit your needs and situation.How Does Long-Term Care Insurance Work?When you use care services that support activities of daily living, long-term care insurance coverage can pay you back a daily amount to cover some or all the costs of the services. The reimbursement amount depends on the pre-selected limit of your policy, like how you have certain limits and guidelines associated with a regular health insurance plan.Like other types of insurance, your coverage will vary by the insurance company you choose, the policy, and the terms of that policy. When you use the coverage, it will have maximum amounts for how many days/years it will cover and how much it will cover each day. There is also a lifetime maximum amount that reflects the two numbers together.Generally, your policy will have a waiting period. You must pay for the care up front, often for a waiting period of 30 to 90 days, and then the policy will reimburse you.Long-term care insurance often does not cover the costs of care indefinitely. Policies tend to have limits, including coverage for a limited number of years or the amount covered. Nonetheless, some policies cover long-term care costs for the rest of your life. It is essential to consider the type of plan and coverage when comparing providers. Be aware that policy premiums can increase over time.Who May Need LTC Insurance?Long-term insurance is beneficial for individuals who need to hire a professional to help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and eating. When applying for LTC insurance, it is not enough to want this kind of support; you must show that you actually need it. This might be due to a chronic condition or an impairment that prevents you from being able to care for yourself.Some avoid long-term care policies because they think they are for living in a nursing home, and many people do not plan to live in one or hope to avoid it. However, you or your loved one can use LTC insurance to stay in your own home and receive extra assistance. LTC insurance can also help with other options if your family needs them, including assisted living, community services, or a nursing home if that indeed is something you end up needing even though you did not plan for it.Who May Not Need LTC Insurance?You may not benefit from this kind of insurance if you do not need professional assistance with activities of daily living. Maybe your parents can still do these activities independently, or they may have a spouses support to help them daily. Alternatively, there may be family members or friends who can help. In this case, your family may not need to hire anyone and, therefore, will not need long-term insurance to help cover costs.If your loved one does not have the conditions or diseases covered, they might not need or qualify for this insurance.How Do You Qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance?You cannot just get or use long-term care insurance. You must qualify to buy the initial plan and use its coverage.Qualifying for Long-Term Care InsuranceYou must get LTC insurance coverage when you are still healthy, so you must sign up before you need it. Ideally, you need to sign up when you are still healthy, active, and independent. If you need extra support in the home or need to move to a facility, it is often too late to get coverage. You may not qualify for long-term care insurance if you wait until you need it.You need medical underwriting to get one of these policies, so the state of health impacts whether you qualify. Policies even look at health history.The chance of being declined for LTC coverage is about 12.4 percent from ages 40 to 45 and 47.2 percent from ages 70 to 74. Further, most people wont get approved past age 75. Most people with long-term care insurance buy it in their mid-50s or mid-60s. If you can find a policy that covers you despite poor health or older age, it may be limited or cost more as the price is determined by your age when you sign up; the older you are when you first sign up for the policy, the more it will cost. Benefits of Long-Term Care InsuranceWhile long-term care insurance does not make sense for everyone, it provides numerous benefits to many people. Here are a few benefits to consider:Support for the FamilyThis insurance can help your family feel better about having your needs met as you age and have more difficulty caring for yourself. It can even take some of the burden of care away from your family members. Caring for an aging loved one can be difficult financially, physically, mentally, and in other ways. Hiring professional in-home care can reduce the burden on your family and ensure you have the right level of care you need, which may even help you have a better relationship.Increased OptionsThis kind of insurance generally gives you more options for the care you can receive. Without this insurance, you could be limited by your private finances or the restrictions of what Medicaid will cover. Having this coverage could open your options and even help you stay in your home, which many people want as they age.Tax BenefitsIn addition, having long-term care insurance can come with tax benefits. On your federal taxes and even some state taxes, you can include long-term care insurance premiums on your itemized deductions as medical expenses. Of course, this requires filing your taxes with itemized deductions and following other limitations. A tax professional can help you determine whether you could file these expenses as deductions, how much you can file, and whether it is beneficial to do so.Where to Find LTC InsuranceTalking with an estate planning or elder law attorney can help you and your family learn more about LTC insurance and how it fits into your planning.When you are ready to sign up for a plan, apply through an insurance company offering long-term care coverage. Like regular health insurance, you can look for policies through an employer, the insurance company, or an insurance broker or agent.As with other insurance, compare quotes and policies from different companies.  If applicable, you may be able to get a better group rate and easier qualification process through an employer, but it is worth comparing it to independent plans.After you apply, you go through an interview that covers your needs and personal information, such as health history and personal finance information. An insurance professional or company provides a custom policy to fit your unique situation.At this point, there is a medical underwriting process that includes contacting your physicians offices and reviewing their medical records. This part of the process can take weeks.LTC AlternativesHow else can you pay for support if you do not have long-term care insurance? If you are of age to qualify for Medicare, it can cover a portion of long-term care. Nonetheless, its coverage is extremely limited. Beyond that, you can pay for care out of pocket. Further, Medicaid is an option if you meet the qualifications, which can happen after people spend their savings on care.Medicaid vs LTC InsuranceYou may have heard that the government program Medicaid can help with the cost of long-term care, and that is true. Nonetheless, it has limits, as does long-term care insurance. What are the pros and cons of each type?To use Medicaid, you must meet financial requirements. These vary by state, but you must use your personal financial assets until they are spent down to a certain level. Medicaid will check how you used your assets over the previous 60 months, so you cannot give them away to others. Learn more about these limitations in your state and the amount a healthy spouse can keep in that state.You should also investigate whether your state has a partnership program. A partnership policy helps people use up their long-term care benefits and then switch to Medicaid coverage while keeping more of their assets. This kind of policy enables you to keep a higher amount of personal assets while using Medicaid to cover long-term care, as well as qualify for Medicaid sooner than you normally would have.Medicaid only provides coverage for certain skilled nursing care facilities and some community-based care options, such as an adult day care center. Long-term care insurance, on the other hand, tends to cover care in your own home or an assisted living facility. If you need a skilled nursing care facility, you will find more options available to you with long-term care insurance than with Medicaid.Find Support from CarePatrols Local Senior Care AdvisorsLong-term care insurance can help cover the cost of senior care, which is a critical component, but selecting the right senior care solution is equally important. CarePatrols Local Senior Care Advisor can help you determine the best senior care option for you when that time comes. Whether that means receiving home health care or transitioning to the support of assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home, our advisors will help you find the best option. Contact a CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor today to get started.

How do you know when to move from assisted living to a nursing home? There is no specific timeframe that applies to each person, but in every case, it is critical to determine what type of care you need.  An assisted living community offers the opportunity to maintain independence while receiving support to meet most of your daily needs. A nursing home may be necessary when complex health issues require 24-hour nursing care and continuous medical supervision. Skilled nursing facilities provide specialized services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as wound care and intravenous (IV) therapy.Nursing home services differ significantly from those provided by assisted living communities. But what exactly are these differences, and how do they impact the level and type of care you may need?What Is an Assisted Living Community? Assisted living is a residential community that provides a non-institutional environment for people who can provide for many of their own needs. Some locations may offer some support, such as aiding in managing diet and nutritional needs. Some also help with incontinence. Some help with the highest levels of care including feeding, transferring, and behaviors. Additionally, many will offer medical care in addition to custodial care and have nurses on staff to oversee residents care. The assisted living level of care is for older adults who could be frail but do not need 24-hour medical nursing care. Residents may also benefit from having some of their medical needs addressed by a home health service that will come into the community. Assisted living helps with activities of daily living such as housecleaning, meals, dressing, and medication reminders and monitoring. The average assisted-living resident is 84 years old and needs help with two or three of the activities mentioned above. Assisted Living has a vibrant and social appeal as there are numerous offerings to stay active and engaged in life enrichment activities.Some older adults move into assisted living because living alone may not be safe for them due to the risk of falling, memory difficulty, or the risk of taking the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. Moving into assisted living provides you with the support you need now, and that may delay your need for more advanced care until sometime in the future if you do not need that level of care right now.A licensed nurse may be available to provide individualized care. Staff may be on site 24 hours a day, depending on the communitys rules and regulations for that state. However, in some communities, the assisted living medical team is not available 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that each community sets its own objectives, based on specific state regulations. You should always clarify what is expected. While intense memory care for those who have end-stage Alzheimers disease or dementia, some assisted living communities will incorporate a memory care element to them. This will allow your family members to have the type and level of help they need right now, with the ability to step up care over time as their condition changes. Assisted living communities handle many of the more difficult tasks for those who are older. That could include light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation for grocery shopping or medical appointments, and other tasks.   What Is a Nursing Home? A nursing home provides a higher level of care with nursing support. This means your loved one will receive around-the-clock assistance from nurses and other medical professionals. Nursing homes have a more clinical environment and can address medical needs, such as wound care, intravenous therapies, and ventilation care. While you may assume skilled care is necessary, many assisted living communities can offer a much higher level of support than you might realize.In a nursing home, your loved one will likely reside in a semi-private or private room, depending on their preference, budget, and availability. They may visit the dining room for meals and participate in activities in various areas. However, if they need to eat in their room, assistance is readily available.The most important difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home is that a nursing home is regulated by federal mandates and typically offers short term acute rehabilitative care offered 24 hours a day by a team of licensed professionals which are funded by medicare. While most people will use skilled nursing for short-term needs, your loved one may require medical treatment that cannot be managed at home or in an assisted living community.Intravenous therapyVentilation careHourly monitory of vital signs or blood sugarsInjections of medicationsWound carePost-surgery careSome care settings may be better suited for your loved one if they have complex medical conditions that you cannot manage properly around the clock. Many facilities also offer specialized memory care units for end-of-life needs. The nursing home setting is designed to meet both the needs of the residents and the specialized care they require, which can sometimes feel more institutional. You may find supportive solutions for therapy, such as specific functional rehabilitation services, infusion therapy, or wound care treatments. Options for providing separate rooms for older adults with infections or illnesses might also be available. However, even in nursing homes, intensive care is not typically provided, and your loved one may be transferred to a hospital to receive the highest level of care when necessary.Frequently Asked Questions What is the average length of stay at an assisted living community? Many people live in assisted living for 2 to 3 years. They often then move to nursing homes that can better meet their ongoing needs due to worsening health conditions, limited mobility, memory care needs, or more support.  What is the main difference between assisted living and nursing homes? The difference in nursing home care is the level of medical care and support you receive. Skilled care means more licensed nurses and staff available to provide ongoing care. What are signs to know its time to move? Senior living options are extensive, but there are a few signs to monitor for to know when its time to move: You need extensive care for daily living You are leaving a hospital stay without the ability to manage most of your own personal care Your well-being is dependent on skilled care around-the-clock Changes in mental cognition can also play a role in this need Assisted living facilities cannot meet any specific care needs you have CarePatrol Can Help You Determine When to Move from Assisted Living to a Nursing Homeand Which one to Choose CarePatrol has local senior care advisors nationwide who are ready to help you determine when its time to move to a nursing home and find the best senior care solution. Also, if care needs change in the future, your local senior care advisor will help you find the right community.We partner with over 20,000 senior care communities across the nation and take families on tours of the communities so you can view the accommodations and feel confident in your decision.  To get started, find a CarePatrol location nearest you, or learn more about care options and request more information online.

For many older adults, senior living communities provide a supportive environment that offers social activities and mental stimulation, with just the right amount of support for health and safety. While independent living or assisted living are good options for most seniors, those struggling with Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia may eventually need a higher level of care. This means that at some point, you may face the question of when to move from assisted living to memory care.Memory care facilities offer dementia patients more specialized care with staff trained in memory loss. They have therapies, activities, and programs that specifically support the needs of someone who is losing their cognitive abilities. They also have staff trained to support seniors as they deal with the realities of dementia.By making the transition from assisted living to memory care, family members get peace of mind that their loved ones are well cared for, supported, and safe. In addition, a memory care community and staff that understand dementia may be able to slow the cognitive decline of an elderly loved one, which is another perk.So, how do you know when it is time to make that transition from assisted living to memory care? 10 Signs Its Time to Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care1. Personal Hygiene Is Starting to Suffer Due to Dementia SymptomsDementia can make it hard for older adults to remember basic personal hygiene, but these tasks are essential to a loved ones health and dignity. Poor personal hygiene can lead to serious medical conditions and hurt your loved ones dignity. In the right memory care community, staff are trained to ensure the seniors under their care are taking care of these vital daily living tasks. Staff can also provide more support for these tasks than is possible in an assisted living community.2. A Senior Has Started to WanderThe Alzheimers Association warns that it is highly common for people with memory difficulties to wander, with six out of every ten people with dementia getting lost or confused because they cannot remember where they are or do not recognize their surroundings. Wandering is a serious safety concern, particularly if the older adult wanders outside of the assisted living community or regularly seeks an exit. Memory care facilities offer a safe, secure environment with flowing floor plans that naturally direct residents back to communal areas or their rooms. This design allows residents to have independence within the community without the safety concerns associated with wandering; They also have safety features such as door alarms or alert systems that prevent dangerous exits.3. Your Loved One Is Not Taking Their MedicationsMedication management is one of the care services offered in a memory care community. Staff will assist with organizing and administering medications to ensure your loved one is taking the right amount at the right time. While many assisted living communities also offer this service, memory care staff are specially trained to manage medication for residents with memory loss and have stringent protocols in place to ensure all medication is taken as prescribed.4. Your Loved Ones Social Life Is SufferingLack of interest in hobbies or socializing are common symptoms that get worse as dementia progresses. One of the benefits of assisted living and memory care facilities is the social activities they provide. However, seniors with dementia may have difficulty socializing without the support of memory care-trained staff. Staff members choose appropriate activities to support seniors with memory care and gently encourage them to participate with others. Families often find that their loved one feels less isolated and lonely once they make this move.5. You Notice Unexpected Health ChangesHealth changes, such as weight loss or unexplained injuries, in addition to memory problems, can indicate it is time to change your seniors living environment. Sometimes, seniors with memory loss forget to eat or struggle to eat enough in a community dining room. Memory care facilities have special dining plans and schedules that reduce distractions and ensure residents get sufficient nutrition. Making the switch from assisted living to memory care can mean additional support to avoid these types of health concerns.6. Your Loved Ones Behavior ChangesBehavior changes, such as increased aggression or negative mental health symptoms, can be because of a poor amount of support for memory care. Staff in memory care units have more training to support the emotional and mental health of their residents than those in other senior living communities, like assisted living or independent living. Team members are also trained to deal with the problematic behaviors that come with increased confusion in the later stages of dementia.7. Assisted Living Facility Activities Are HardAssisted living facilities often have activities for seniors to choose to participate in. However, dementia can make it difficult for them to take advantage of these events. In a memory care community, social activities are woven into the daily schedule that everyone participates in, increasing the likelihood that your loved one will participate.8. Youre Feeling Increased StressWhile this is not as cut-and-dried, if you feel like you need to regularly check on your loved one to ensure they are getting the right support, and you worry that caregivers are not well-versed in memory loss issues, then it is probably time to make the switch to memory care. Many families find that making the change helps to reduce stress as their loved one has the right care and support.9. Your Loved Ones Cognitive Needs Are Not MetAll seniors need mental stimulation to thrive but assisted living facilities may not have the right activities to meet the cognitive needs of seniors with dementia. To begin, planned activities may be difficult for a senior with memory loss. Also, the other residents may have conversations that your loved one can no longer follow. This change can lead to isolation and worsening mental health. To support your loved ones needs, memory care communities have activities designed to meet the cognitive needs of their residents, with an understanding of changing needs as dementia progresses.10. Assisted Living Staff Are Voicing ConcernsOne of the most obvious signs that it is time to make the switch to a memory care community is when your loved ones assisted living community staff members are stating their concerns. Often, caregivers who interact with your loved one daily more clearly see the subtle changes as dementia progresses. If staff are asking you to consider making the change, then it is time to start looking for the right senior living community to assist your loved one with their memory care needs.Making a Seamless Transition from Assisted Living to Memory CareIf the signs are pointing to making a switch from your loved ones assisted living community to a memory care community, there are some steps you can take to make the transition as smooth as possible.Follow All Legal RequirementsThere are many legal requirements necessary to transition from assisted living to memory care. Each state is different, so talk to the assisted living community to learn what is required in your state. To transition to memory care, you may need a doctors evaluation or specific state forms. You will also need your loved ones legal representative to agree to the change, so it helps if all family members are on board with the move. Start conversations with the assisted living facilitys staff to learn of these requirements so you are ready to make the transition to memory care when it is a necessity.Consider a Continuing Care CommunityIf your loved one is in a community that offers multiple levels of care, then making the switch may mean nothing more than moving to a new apartment or care level within the same community. If you anticipate transitioning from assisted living to memory care later, consider choosing a continuing care community when choosing senior care options.Get the Staff on BoardWork with the staff at the assisted living and memory care communities to help with this transition. They can give you insight into what might make it easier for your loved one.Keep It FamiliarIf possible, bring familiar items from the assisted living community to the memory care community. For example, if your loved one can have the same decor in both spaces or if you can set up the layout to be similar, they will feel more at home in the new community.Maintain Relationships if PossibleIf your loved one has specific relationships that are helping them with their mental health, then look for ways to maintain those relationships. Planning visits with friends from your loved ones community or relatives they feel close can keep those familiar faces in the seniors life.Memory care communities provide peace of mind to families of seniors with dementia and other memory concerns. With the right safety protocols and staff training, they provide a high quality of life with less stress and risk. If your loved one is starting to show signs of cognitive decline, now is the time to start discussing making the transition from assisted living to memory care.Get Memory Care Assistance from CarePatrol If you think its time to transition a loved one from assisted living to memory care,  CarePatrol senior care advisors at CarePatrol are here to help. At no cost to you, our local senior advisors review your needs and the services of the memory care communities in the area to pair you with the right option for your family. We vet every community in our network to ensure that we can recommend the right options for you. By taking you on tours of the communities, your questions will be answered. Reach out to a CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor today and let us help you.