Will Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living?March 24, 2023Will long-term care insurance cover assisted living? Yes. A good long-term care policy will help pay for assisted living and include coverages in other settings. But the real question is whether or not you currently have a long-term care policy.Most seniors do not. And by the time you need one, you might not qualify due to age or pre-existing conditions.More than 70% of American seniors over 65 will likely need long-term care at some point. But only 10% of Americans have any long-term care coverage.Without long-term care insurance, you or your family will most likely pay for your long-term care costs from savings, retirement accounts, equity loans against your house, or other private sources.And depending on if you decide to age in place at home or choose an assisted living community, these costs are challenging for most families. Using Sarasota, Florida as an example, according to Genworth Financial, the 2023 monthly costs average about $6,700 for Home Health services, $4,570 for assisted living, and $10,500 for a semi-private room at a nursing home.What is Long-Term Care Insurance?Long-term care insurance provides many services not covered by regular health insurance. Every policy is different and has specific coverage. But most long-term care policies include assistance with routine daily activities, like dressing, bathing, or getting in and out of bed.Where Does Long-Term Care Apply?Long-term care insurance helps seniors pay for the services and support they need as they age. And long-term care is for more than just assisted living communities. These policies often cover long-term care provided at:Your homeAn assisted living residenceA nursing homeAn adult day care centerWhat Is Covered Under Long-Term Care Insurance?Long-term care policies help with areas often ignored by other health insurance policies. A long-term care policy can help cover the costs of chronic medical conditions, a disability, or a condition like Alzheimer's. This includes:Assistance with your activities of daily living (ADLs)Certain homemaker services that are in conjunction with personal careSkilled nursing carePhysical, speech, and rehabilitation therapyRespite CareWhat Is Not Covered Under Long-Term Care Insurance?Like most insurance policies, long-term care policies have limitations and exclusions. It is essential to read and understand the policy to know what is covered and what is not.Many long-term care policies do not cover:Pre-existing conditions for a certain period of time. Understanding this clause is crucial. A pre-existing condition is typically defined as receiving medical advice or treatment or having symptoms within a certain period before applying for the policy. Some companies look further back than others, and some do not have restrictions for pre-existing conditions at all.Self-Inflicted InjuriesCertain nervous disorders or mental conditionsDrug and alcohol abuseWhy buy long-term care insurance?The reason to buy long-term care insurance is the same reason you purchase other insurance, like car, home, and health insurance: peace of mind. You pay a little each year or month, so you don't have to worry about paying a large amount of money should the unexpected happen.But long-term care is different, because needing it is expected and a normal part of aging in the US. More than 70% of the population will need long-term care help not covered by regular health insurance.Suppose you are fortunate enough to be wealthy and can easily cover all long-term care expenses out of pocket. In that case, long-term care insurance may not be for you. But for most Americans, long-term care insurance can be a valuable part of their financial planning.Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Long-Term Care?Long-term care insurance policies are specifically designed to help with most long-term care costs.  Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Medicaid is a state-run program designed for those whose assets and income are under the states low threshold. Even then, the program is complex, the benefits are limited and minimal, and the waitlist can take years. Medicare Does Not Pay for Long-Term CareMedicare is of little help with long-term care costs. The Medicare website is pretty blunt about this subject, stating, "Medicare and most health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don't pay for long-term care." The site goes on to explain it is important to plan for long-term care to maintain your independence and get the care you need in the future.Medicare does pay for limited stays in rehabilitation facilities, like in-patient physical therapy for a hip replacement. But, the limit is 100 days. And suppose after that you must move to assisted living or a nursing home. In that case, Medicare does not cover your custodial costs.Medicaid Is Very Limited and Can Take YearsFor seniors over 65, Florida Medicaid is a minimal program. You must require nursing-facility-level care, and your assets must be below Florida's low threshold. The program was designed to help the frail and neediest first, and you can be on the waitlist for years. Medicaid recipients typically have a low income and have exhausted most of their savings. Because of the complexity, uncertainty, and length of time required to access any benefits, expecting Medicaid to help with long-term care needs may not be the best option.When Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?The time to buy long-term insurance is before you need it. And the premiums are less when you are younger. Typically, most long-term care insurance buyers are between 50 and 65. It is becoming challenging to buy long-term care coverage over 70 due to health conditions, insurance company policies, expensive premiums, and pre-existing conditions.And even if you are age-qualified, the insurance company might reject your application if any of the following are true:You currently need help with daily activities (ADLs).You are already receiving long-term care.You have been diagnosed with dementia or another cognitive impairment.You have a progressing neurological condition like Parkinson's or ALS.You have had a stroke.You have specific cancer diagnoses. However, a diagnosis of cancer does not automatically get you declined. It depends on the type of cancer, how long ago you were diagnosed, and the individual insurance companies' underwriting guidelines.The best advice is to buy long-term care insurance before you need it and while you are younger and healthy.Summary: Should You Get Long-Term Care Insurance?Everyone ages and almost everyone will need help with senior care expenses, whether they age in place at home or choose an assisted living community.But paying for that care can be overwhelming and severely impact a family's budget and savings. Many families are forced into difficult financial challenges with an additional and unexpected $5,000 to $10,000 monthly expense for care.Long-term care insurance can help you plan for the future and give you and your family peace of mind.Whether your senior loved one is deciding to age at home or considering an assisted living community, Florida Senior Consulting can help.And if they don't have long-term care insurance, we can help you navigate all the other options.We are a Florida-based company with expert knowledge of the Florida senior market. While senior options can seem confusing, this is all we do. Florida Senior Consulting helps seniors decide their next best steps and the easiest way to afford the transition.We have certified staff, licensed nurse advocates, and decades of experience in the field.Senior living should be on your terms, and the choice should always be yours.Call us, and we will answer all your questions and help you decide what is best for you or your senior loved one.For peace of mind, call us at (800) 969-7176 or visit FloridaSeniorConsulting.com.

Choosing a senior living community is an essential step in planning for your future. The right community isnt just a place youll call home, though; its where youll build a life you love.When you begin your senior living search and start compiling a list of potential senior living communities, you may find it useful to narrow the options using practical, subjective criteria, such as limiting your picks to places where you can access multiple levels of senior care within the community. (Remember, more options for future care means a more solid, stable plan for your future needs.)Ultimately, however, its the lifestyle factors that will help you determine which community feels most like home. Identifying your priorities will help ensure youre selecting a community that matches your vision for an ideal retirement lifestyle. Your life experiences and needs may mean you prioritize certain aspects of life differently than others might; the key is identifying what matters most to you, so you can create the best retirement lifestyle for you.LOCATIONJust like choosing a home and neighborhood in your earlier stages of life, the location of your retirement community significantly influences your senior living lifestyle. Climate may be a consideration if you have certain health concerns like asthma or allergies, and youll need to decide if youll be happiest in an urban setting or a suburban neighborhood. You might also feel drawn to certain geographic features, like the mountains or the ocean.Many seniors who prefer life near the water choose Bradenton and nearby Sarasota for the plentiful entertainment and lifestyle options they offer, including museums, theater productions, shopping, dining and, of course, beaches. Choosing senior living communities in these locales puts you in proximity to popular attractions like Pittsburgh Pirates spring training, Manatee Performing Arts Center and the Gulf of Mexico.SERVICESChoosing a community with robust services means choosing less responsibility and more time to spend doing the things you enjoy. Services like indoor and outdoor maintenance, housekeeping, and access to a concierge are just some of the services that make for a carefree retirement lifestyle. Its also worth exploring services that protect your safety, such as security and emergency response systems.AMENITIESThe services may be what makes life easy, but the amenities make it more rewarding. When youre evaluating a communitys amenities, think about what youll enjoy exploring, discovering, learning and sharing with others. Some amenities may be physical structures, like dining venues and fitness centers, while others may align with specific interests, like a woodworking shop or community rose garden. Collectively, these amenities define a communitys culture and give you a sense of how youll fit in, since others who share your interests are likely to be drawn to the same offerings.WELLNESS PROGRAMMINGAs an older adult, dedicating more time and attention to your well-being is a proactive way to protect and even improve your quality of life. A community that allows you to explore multiple dimensions of senior wellness will help you achieve greater balance and fulfillment in your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational and environmental wellness.PET POLICYIf youre a pet lover and own a pet now or think you may want to add a pet to the family in retirement, youll want to ensure the community you choose allows pets. Its a good idea to ask about policies and restrictions (such as breed and weight). Youll also want to explore what pet-friendly amenities are available, such as walking trails and doggie parks, whether on the community grounds or nearby.START PLANNING YOUR COASTAL RETIREMENTIf coastal living is your retirement dream, youll discover a retirement lifestyle where you can embrace each enriching day well into the future at Freedom Village of Bradenton. Our maintenance-free senior living options ensure you have plenty of time to get acquainted with your neighbors, explore our 34 sprawling acres, and discover balance through our holistic approach to wellness. Meanwhile, our thoughtful attention to detail means were prepared to satisfy your every comfort and convenience. Connect with our team to learn more about the incredible senior living lifestyle our residents enjoy. Call us today at 941-219-5294.

As your loved one with Alzheimers or another form of dementia needs more care at home, you might find each day more challenging than the last. While these changes are difficult for everyone, memory care communities can give both you and your loved one the support you need to maintain your bond but when is the right time for a higher level of care?Ask yourself these 6 questions about caring for your loved one at home, and learn if memory care is right for your family member.1. ARE THEY AGITATED OR AGGRESSIVE?For several reasons, agitation  and aggression are common with seniors who have dementia. The two primary reasons are confusion and the inability to articulate or identify the cause of physical discomfort.For instance, an older adult who used to perform an activity of daily living unassisted may lash out at their caregivers when they cant remember the steps it takes to complete the task. Or a person experiencing discomfort from something like a urinary tract infection may express it through physical aggression.In the Memory Care neighborhood at Freedom Village of Bradenton, our staff can redirect aggressive behavior with specialized care that reduces frustration, fear and anxiety in your loved one, which gives you the opportunity to return to the loving relationship you once shared.2. DOES YOUR FAMILY MEMBER HAVE SAFE LIVING CONDITIONS?When a senior with dementia is aging in place, they may neglect essential household duties like taking out the trash, cleaning up after a pet, or disposing of spoiled food. Some seniors may also hoard items or wander their neighborhoods.Other risks may include trip hazards, medical fall risks, kitchen appliances, firearms, or household chemicals. For your loved one to age safely at home, youll need significant and expensive safety modifications. The 24/7 security and  care in a Memory Care neighborhood provides a secure environment where your loved one can thrive. At Freedom Village of Bradenton, we take memory care a step further by including a maintenance-free residence, housekeeping and personal laundry services, and Life Safety pendant alert systems.3. IS YOUR FAMILY MEMBER FEELING SOCIALLY ISOLATED?While loneliness and social isolation are related, theyre a little different. Loneliness is the distressed feeling of being alone, whereas isolation is the lack of social connections to provide regular, positive interaction with people and your environment. Social isolation can lead to:AnxietyDepressionHigh-blood pressureHeart diseaseLack of energyFeeling isolated is a common problem for seniors living with dementia. Its difficult to recreate social situations at home, or your loved one may lack the confidence to take part in group activities.Retirement communities have amenities, services, and a calendar full of events just for memory care residents. From a supportive dining environment to welcoming and secure places to gather, your loved one always stays engaged and socializes with their neighbors and care team. 4. HAS YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS SLEEP PATTERN CHANGED?As we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, which is a sleep hormone that helps us get tired when it gets darker in the evening. Research has shown that as a persons dementia progresses, melatonin production is particularly impaired. Combined with side effects from medication and other long-term health conditions, like diabetes or high blog pressure, sleep can be difficult for older adults with dementia.Your loved one may have difficulty getting to sleep, wake up several times during the night, sleep less deeply or sleep less overall.Poor sleep patterns can lead to waking up at night, resulting in your family member being anxious or confused over what time it is. Instead of going back to sleep, they believe its time to begin the day. Your loved one may try to return to an old routine, like making breakfast or getting dressed for work.This is very stressful for family caregivers, especially if youre worried your loved one may do something that is unsafe, like wander, which can lead to a life-threatening fall. 5. ARE THEY NEGLECTING PERSONAL CARE?Neglecting self-care is a major indicator your loved one needs extra help with activities of daily living. If your family member once wore clean, pressed clothes or was always clean-shaven, and is now wearing ill-fitting, dirty clothes or has unkempt facial hair, it might be time to consider memory support services. Its important to remember physical symptoms of dementia come in many forms. Here are other signs your loved one might need a higher level of care in a Memory Care neighborhood:Dramatic weight loss or weight gainForgetting to eat or take medicationsLoss of mobilityNeglecting regular baths or showersAt our retirement community in Bradenton, FL, we believe each one of our residents should live according to a personalized routine that reflects their preferences and choices. We offer flexible care in a dementia-friendly environment that promotes a self-directed lifestyle. For instance, the residents in our Memory Care neighborhood have access to appropriate community amenities like the salon and barbershop, fitness center and pool. We also offer compassionate, personalized help with daily living activities, including dressing, bathing and medication management. 6. DO YOU HAVE CAREGIVER BURNOUT?Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimers or another form of dementia is arduous work, and many family caregivers face burnout. You might dedicate too much time to your family member with dementia and neglect other important areas of life like work, friends, and other members of your family who need attention.Many family caregivers have to take time off work, which may be paid or unpaid, while some have to reduce their work hours altogether. This can lead to feelings of resentment, depression and isolation.Watch for these other common signs of caregiver burnout:Difficulty sleepingDrinking, smoking or eating moreFeeling tired and run downFeeling helpless and hopelessNeglecting personal  needsTrouble concentrating or relaxing, even when help is availableIf youre a family caregiver struggling with the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes with providing someone with dementia a high quality of life, its likely time for expert memory care services at a retirement community. Be sure to refer to our suggested memory care checklist when taking next steps. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF MEMORY CARE AT FREEDOM VILLAGE OF BRADENTONChoosing the right care for your loved one with dementia is a tough decision. At our retirement community in Bradenton, FL, were here to provide any and all information we can to help you make the best decision for your situation.To learn how your family member can be supported in our Memory Care neighborhood at Freedom Village of Bradenton, contact our senior living representatives online, and well be happy to answer your questions! Call us today, 941-219-5294.