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In this article, we review some of the more common funding options for senior housing and long-term care services. Senior care can range from a few hours a week of personal care or companionship from an in-home care provider, to full-time in-home care, to skilled nursing care in a nursing home.
Many who have not done their research mistakenly believe that Medicare is the answer for long-term care. In reality, it covers only a very narrow range of costs. It is important that you understand ahead of time the benefits and limits of Medicare, so you adequately prepare for senior care needs.
In-home care is generally far less expensive, but costs vary greatly, depending on where you live, the level of care and hours of service required each week.
How will you pay for long-term care? Options include Medicare, Medicaid (if you qualify), long-term care insurance, Veterans Administration benefits and out of pocket (from your savings and assets).
As previously mentioned, Medicare applies to long-term care in limited circumstances, such as immediately following a hospital stay. Medicare covers short-term, physician-prescribed home health care for skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; medical social services; and assistance with bathing, feeding and other personal care. Medicare does not pay for extended care.
Medicare also covers up to 100 days of nursing home care in limited instances, and it helps cover the cost of some durable medical equipment for home use. It also covers hospice care for people diagnosed with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less.
Medicaid, the largest public payer for long-term care, will (if you qualify) pay for nursing home care and other costs that Medicare does not cover. It may also cover some in-home care services. Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are likely to qualify for Medicaid automatically. You can also qualify if you have limited income and assets.
Eligibility guidelines vary by state. Assets considered for eligibility generally do not include homes, cars, household furnishings or burial plots. In some cases you may still qualify if your income exceeds your state’s eligibility level. And in several states, seniors may qualify for Medicaid after they have spent their income and assets on nursing home or other health care expenses. This is commonly referred to as the Medicaid “spend down.”
Older adults who do not qualify for larger government programs like Medicaid may find they qualify for state programs. Information on these can be found through local Area Agencies on Aging.
Long-term care insurance helps seniors pay the costs of long-term care, preventing the depletion of life savings for extended care. However, coverage is expensive. Premiums increase with the age of the purchaser. According to The Wall Street Journal, a 55-year-old single adult can expect to pay $2,065 a year for $162,000 in benefits with 3-percent compound inflation protection (this increases your benefits to compensate for inflation).
If you earn ample income, premiums can be affordable, but you need to make sure you will still be able to pay the premium after you retire. And even if you can, you may not be able to justify the expense if you have the resources to pay for care out of pocket. Your financial planner can help guide you in this decision.
Not all long-term insurance policies are created equal, so be sure you know what you are buying.
Veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for Veterans Administration (VA) benefits to cover some of the cost of in-home care. A veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran who served at least 90 days on active duty with one day during a period of war may be eligible for the VA’s non-service connected disability pension.
Seniors and their families often must tap into savings and assets to pay for long-term care, as many cannot afford long-term care insurance, many do not qualify for Medicaid and Medicare coverage is very limited.
The cost of care will depend greatly on the amount of care the senior requires. To get an idea of what the expense could be, research nursing home costs in your area, then calculate the total for a four-year stay. But actual costs cannot be predicted, as persons with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia often need care for many more years.
In comparison, in-home care expenses are often much less. You can find out by researching costs in your area. In doing so, you may also need to get estimates of the cost of home adaptations to help you stay in your home.
At first glance, the cost of professional in-home care may look greater than it truly is. That is, until family caregivers honestly consider the value of the time and financial sacrifices made to care for a loved one.
If you are a family caregiver, you understand that the responsibility requires a considerable amount of your time — time and attention your loved one deserves. As a caregiver, you get phone calls at all times, day and night. You coordinate transportation to and from medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. You have another home to clean. You are the one who helps pay bills, provides companionship and takes care of other tasks as needed. And you do this in addition to the other responsibilities you have, such as your job and family.
In order to accomplish everything that needs to be done, you may have to reduce your hours at work. Maybe you have cut back to part-time employment and passed up a promotion.
These lost opportunities have a real impact on your financial situation now and in the future, specifically when it comes time to retire. Considering these lost opportunities, take another look at the quotes you have been given to hire a professional in-home care provider. With this in mind, the cost of having a qualified and insured home care agency assume caregiving tasks does not seem that high, does it?
When you work with a reputable in-home care agency, you will still be in charge of the care your loved one receives. You just will not be responsible for the time-consuming, day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.
If you have been avoiding it, now is the time to determine the financial impact that home care makes on your life. You may find that allowing others to do the job is a smart financial decision.
For professionals serving seniors, a home can sometimes be the biggest piece of the transition puzzle.But what happens when that home isn't an ordinary property?What if your client owns a $1 million, $2 million or multimillion-dollar luxury or waterfront home?A senior may be downsizing, transitioning to independent or assisted living, moving closer to family, settling an estate, or simply deciding that maintaining a large property no longer makes sense.For senior living professionals, elder law attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, care managers, move managers and other professionals helping with that transition, there is an important option worth knowing about:The homeowner may be able to sell a luxury property privately and directly, without first putting it on the public market.Why Can Selling a Senior's Luxury Home Be Different?Luxury and waterfront properties can present challenges that aren't always present in a typical home sale.The property may be a waterfront estate on Casey Key, a residence on Bird Key, a condominium overlooking Sarasota Bay, or a distinctive home on Siesta Key or Longboat Key.The owner may have lived there for decades.The home may contain valuable possessions, artwork and deeply personal belongings. It may need updating. Adult children may live hundreds of miles away. And the family may already be coordinating a significant life transition.For some homeowners, maximum exposure to the real estate market is the priority. In that situation, publicly marketing the property may make sense.But other seniors have very different priorities:Privacy. Simplicity. Certainty. Flexibility.They may not want strangers repeatedly touring their home.They may not want photographs of their home's interior and possessions published online.They may not want to renovate, stage or prepare the property for the luxury market.And they may not want their move dependent upon months of marketing, inspections and a buyer obtaining financing.For those homeowners, a private direct sale may be another option worth considering.Can a Senior Sell a Luxury Home Without Publicly Listing It?Yes.A luxury homeowner can explore a direct sale without first broadly marketing the property.Private Luxury Home Sales considers select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast for direct purchase. A homeowner can request a confidential property review before deciding whether a private sale or broader market exposure better fits their objectives.This can allow an owner to explore an offer without first going through the traditional process of preparing and publicly marketing the property.Why Might Privacy Matter to an Older Luxury Homeowner?For some affluent seniors, privacy isn't simply a preference.It can be an important part of the selling decision.Imagine a homeowner who has spent 25 or 30 years in the same waterfront residence.Inside may be family photographs, artwork, collections, jewelry, antiques and other personal possessions.A traditional luxury marketing campaign can involve professional photography, video, aerial photography, online advertising and numerous people entering the property.Some homeowners are completely comfortable with that exposure.Others aren't.A private direct sale provides another route. When Private Luxury Home Sales evaluates a property for potential direct purchase, broad public marketing isn't necessary merely to consider the home. For a senior who values discretion, that difference can matter.Does the Luxury Home Need to Be Renovated First?Not necessarily.One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding high-value real estate is that every luxury property must be extensively updated before it can be sold.A longtime owner may have an exceptional property in an exceptional location while the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring or other features are dated.Preparing that property for the retail luxury market could potentially involve substantial renovations, contractors, staging and months of work.A direct buyer evaluates the property differently.Private Luxury Home Sales considers properties as-is, including residences requiring updates or significant renovation. That can be particularly relevant when an older homeowner or the homeowner's family doesn't want to oversee a major renovation before selling.Which Senior Clients Might Benefit From Knowing About This Option?You don't need to determine whether a private sale is right for your client.You simply need to recognize situations where having another option could be valuable.Consider the homeowner who is:Downsizing from a large luxury residence. Transitioning into independent or assisted living. Moving closer to adult children. Managing a home after the death of a spouse. Selling an inherited luxury or waterfront property. Handling a property through an estate or trust. Living out of state while responsible for a parent's Florida property. Facing substantial deferred maintenance or renovation. Concerned about privacy and public exposure. Looking for greater certainty about the timing of the sale. Those are situations where understanding both the public-market and private-sale alternatives can help a family make a more informed decision.What's the Most Important Question to Ask Your Client?There is one question professionals can ask that may reveal a great deal:What matters most to you when the home is sold?Listen carefully to the answer.Is it achieving maximum exposure to the marketplace?Maintaining privacy?Avoiding repairs?Controlling the closing date?Avoiding repeated showings?Reducing uncertainty?Making the transition as simple as possible?There isn't one correct answer.The homeowner's priorities should help determine which selling strategy deserves consideration.Private Sale vs. Traditional Luxury ListingA private direct sale and a traditional luxury listing serve different objectives.Traditional public marketing provides broader exposure to potential buyers and may create greater price discovery and competition.A private direct sale can emphasize privacy, simplicity, convenience, an as-is transaction and greater certainty about the process.Neither approach should automatically be assumed to be right for every senior homeowner.The value to your client comes from understanding that there is more than one option.One More Resource for Your Professional ToolboxProfessionals serving seniors don't need to become real estate experts.But they are frequently the first people to recognize a problem.A senior living advisor may hear:Mom is ready to move, but we don't know what to do with the house.An elder law attorney may be helping a family deal with an estate containing a multimillion-dollar residence.A move manager may discover that preparing a 4,000-square-foot waterfront home for the market is becoming overwhelming.A financial advisor may have a client whose largest single asset is a luxury property.Knowing that a confidential direct-sale option exists gives you another resource to share with the family.Private Luxury Home Sales specializes in select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast. Its Seniors Blue Book profile specifically includes waterfront estates, Gulf and bayfront homes, boating properties, inherited luxury homes, second homes and properties requiring substantial updating. When You Encounter the Right ClientIf you're working with a senior or family who owns a luxury or waterfront property, consider asking one additional question:Would they like to understand their private-sale option before deciding how to sell the property?There is no obligation to accept an offer simply because the property is evaluated.Sometimes the homeowner will determine that traditional market exposure is the better choice.Sometimes privacy, simplicity and certainty will matter more.Either way, knowing the options before making the decision is valuable.Private Luxury Home SalesSarasota & Florida Gulf CoastPrivate Direct As-Is Close on Your Timeline For more information, please contact Jeff Nemeth at 941-202-6957
Life can take you anywhere until knee arthritis pain slows you down. Whether its walking, golfing, traveling, or playing with your grandkids, the activities you love shouldnt be limited by chronic knee pain. So, whats the solution?For many, knee replacement surgery is an effective option to reduce pain from arthritis and continue to live an active life. The great news is that there are several different types of knee replacement surgery, as well as advanced surgical techniques that can even speed up your healing.Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing for surgery, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AdventHealth can help you understand the different types of knee replacement procedures and what to expect throughout your recovery journey.Who Needs Knee Replacement SurgeryThe leading cause of knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint. As the damage progresses, pain and stiffness can worsen over time, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:Gradual knee pain that worsens with activityKnee stiffnessKnee swellingPain after extended sitting or restingKnee pain that continues to get worseIf you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will start by offering the most conservative treatments to alleviate your pain.Some initial treatments for knee osteoarthritis might include:Weight lossPhysical therapyAnti-inflammatory medicationsCortisone injectionsViscosupplementation or gel injectionsIf these strategies are not helpful and your condition worsens, your doctor might offer knee replacement surgery as a promising option to reduce pain and return to the active life you love again.Types of Knee Replacement SurgeryNot every knee replacement is the same. While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.What to Expect Before Knee Replacement SurgeryOnce you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, youll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.Once this step is completed, youll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. This person will be able to drive you home, get any prescribed medications and help maintain your comfort after surgery.Your medical team might also advise you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners, NSAIDs like aspirin or other supplements) up to a week before your surgery date. Youll also be advised to fast prior to surgery. In most cases, you cant have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery.Some other ways to prepare your home ahead of time include:Setting up your comfortable space for resting and elevating your legClearing the floor and pathways of fall and trip risks such as rugsHaving ice packs frozen and ready for when you return homeWhat to Expect During Knee Replacement SurgeryYour exact recovery will depend on exactly what type of procedure you are having as well as your overall health. Some patients may have outpatient knee replacement surgery and go home the same day. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Other knee replacement procedures may require you to stay in the hospital from one to four days.On the day of surgery, you'll be prepped for the procedure and given anesthesia. Most knee replacement surgeries take about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you'll recover under close observation before receiving instructions on pain management, medications, physical therapy and follow-up care. To help you safely regain mobility, you'll likely use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery.What to Expect After Knee Replacement SurgeryYour surgeon will provide you with a follow-up appointment and a prescription for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to regain your strength and get optimal results from your knee replacement. Physical therapy usually begins immediately after surgery and may continue for up to six weeks.After roughly six weeks, most knee replacements are up to 80% healed. After three months, most achieve 90% healing and by one year, most patients are back to their active lifestyle with nearly complete knee function and comfort.Whole-Person Orthopedic CareOur orthopedic experts offer advanced knee replacement options that put your whole-health first. To learn more about the services we offer, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.
Looking for comfortable, worry-free senior living in Sarasota? Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers assisted living and memory care options in a beautiful community designed to provide comfort, convenience, and connection.With shared apartments starting at $3,875, residents can enjoy all-inclusive pricing that includes utilities, three meals each day, weekly cleaning, linens and laundry, daily trash pickup, and assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and showering.Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers a variety of room options, including private standard suites, one-bedroom/one-bath apartments, and one-bedroom/two-bath apartments. Additional services and accommodations are also available to help meet individual needs.Residents can enjoy inviting common areas, comfortable dining spaces, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities for social engagement and activitiesall while receiving personalized support in a welcoming environment.Located at 3749 Sarasota Square Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238, Suncoast Club at Prestancia provides assisted living and memory care with a focus on helping residents enjoy each day with comfort and peace of mind.Call 941-922-1669 or visit SuncoastClubSL.com to learn more and schedule a visit.