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.

Taking care of our teeth and gums is key to maintaining a healthy and happy life. Unfortunately, for seniors living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, getting access to dental care can be a challenge. Luckily, in-home dental care can help with that. By bringing dental professionals and equipment straight to senior facilities, in-home care makes it easier than ever for seniors to get the dental care they need. Lets further explore how in-home dental care can make a real difference to the oral health of our seniors, and the benefits it brings to facilities that provide care.Challenges Faced by Senior FacilitiesSenior facilities face many challenges when it comes to providing dental care for their residents. Transportation to dental appointments can be difficult, particularly for seniors with mobility issues or those who require specialized transportation. Additionally, coordinating dental appointments can be a complex process involving multiple staff members, transportation resources, and schedules. Furthermore, many seniors living in facilities have complex medical histories and may require specialized dental care. This can be difficult to coordinate with outside dental providers, particularly if the senior has limited mobility or transportation options.The Benefits of In-Home Dental Care For Senior FacilitiesIn-home dental care provides several benefits for senior facilities, including improved oral health outcomes, convenience, and cost savings. By bringing dental professionals and equipment directly to the facility, in-home care eliminates the need for transportation to a dental office. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who have difficulty getting around or who require specialized transportation. In-home dental care also provides a more comfortable and familiar setting for seniors. Many seniors may feel anxious or uncomfortable in a traditional dental office setting. By providing care in the senior's own environment, in-home care allows seniors to relax and feel more at ease during the appointment. In addition to these benefits, in-home dental care can help improve oral health outcomes for seniors. By providing preventive care and catching dental issues early, dental professionals can help prevent more serious dental problems down the line. This can help seniors maintain their oral health and avoid costly and invasive dental procedures.The Process of In-Home Dental Care in Senior FacilitiesThe process of in-home dental care in senior facilities is similar to that of in-home care for individual patients. Dental professionals who offer in-home care will bring portable dental chairs, lights, and instruments to the facility, allowing them to provide comprehensive dental care on-site. During the appointment, the dental professional will perform a routine dental exam, clean the senior's teeth, and address any dental issues that may be present. Depending on the nature of the appointment, the dental professional may also take x-rays or perform more specialized procedures.  If you're a senior facility looking to take your residents' dental care to the next level, don't hesitate to get in touch with Enable Dental! Our in-home dental care services are designed to improve oral health for seniors and make dental care more accessible and convenient. With our experienced dental professionals and top-of-the-line equipment, we're here to help your residents smile with confidence. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can work together to improve the oral health of your seniors.

As the world's population ages, the need for quality senior care has become more pressing. With a focus on facilitating the best home living assistance for seniors, Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors has taken a unique approach to advising and offering the best possible help. In an exclusive interview with Insights Care, Joyce emphasizes the importance of providing such assistance and how Ruby Care's knowledgeable advisors help clients navigate the right placement. This article delves into the innovative approach of Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors and its commitment to providing the best possible care for seniors.There is a famous quote saying, We rise by lifting others. Simply put, when you start helping others, your life starts to have meaning and purpose. Among many, the best step to human kindness is trailblazing the path of transforming million.With such a vision to facilitate the best home living assistance, Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors has a unique approach to advising and offering the best possible help. It facilitates home assistance to the senior population and provides the best care with its resourceful platform.Spearheading this change is its Founder, Joyce Logan, believes in providing the best help by networking with healthcare providers, such as home health, hospice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, physicians, and other senior service providers.Being curious to learn more about its efficient services, we at Insights Care crossed paths with Joyce, wherein she emphasized the need for such assistance and how the company with its knowledgeable advisors, helps its client navigate the right placement.Let us dive into the insightful interview.Please brief our audience about your company, its mission, and the key aspects of its stronghold within the senior care services niche.Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors help simplify the process of locating the best senior housing option for an aging loved one. We work with Independent Living, Assisted Living, Residential Care Homes, and Memory Care communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in finding the most appropriate housing solution.We save families or seniors countless hours and unneeded stress when they need to find a senior living community. Our service is complimentary as we are compensated by the communities once a loved one moves in. Our Mission: We listen, we guide, and we follow up to ensure that our clients find the senior living community that is perfect for them.Tell us more about the services that give you a distinct edge to stand out from the competition?Our advisors have over 80 combined years of experience in the healthcare and senior living industry. Many of our advisors are Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Senior Advisors as well as Care Navigators, thus, providing a vast array of knowledge across a variety of all disciplines. Our clients benefit from our collective knowledge in addition to placement advising.We are members of the National Placement Referral Alliance, an association that promotes best practices, code of ethics, and senior advocacy to the clients/families we serve.What is your opinion on the effects of the current pandemic on the healthcare sector, and what challenges did your company face during the initial phase of the pandemic?I feel the healthcare and senior housing industry came together as a group like no other industry. The communities and facilities were taking care of the most vulnerable, our aging population. They shared ideas and embraced technology while taking the safety of the residents to a new level.Our business was briefly impacted at the beginning of the pandemic because families were reluctant to move their loved ones to senior communities because they were on lockdown, which meant families were not able to visit.As families realized they were not able to care for their loved ones at home as well as a community, they trusted the communities to do what they do best, care for the aging population with their trained staff.The business was back to normal in September 2020, when the Governor directed the Health and Human Services Commission to open visitation options, allowing up to two trained essential family caregivers to visit their loved ones in their rooms to help ensure their physical, social, and emotional needs were being met.Our process on how we worked with families and communities was impacted longer, as we usually consult and tour with our clients face to face. Still, we had to rely on technology virtual tours and consultations until we were able to visit in person with the families again.With continuous technological development in the healthcare space, what is your prediction about the future of senior care services?As baby boomers age and seek senior living options, I expect the movement toward technology to increase. Smart Aging, which refers to Artificial Intelligence, will continue to expand. Telehealth will be more universal in communities as well as Virtual Reality (VR).As an established leader, what would be your advice to the budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the senior care services niche?You must make sure you have a passion for caring for the elderly. Do your research on the senior niche you are pursuing and know the ins and outs. Being an elderly advocate doesnt have a schedule and can be demanding, so be prepared to be available when the time is needed, it may take away from personal time, but its so rewarding.How do you envision scaling your companys operations and offerings in 2023?Ruby Care will continue educating our advisors and achieve certifications to continue to provide unsurpassed quality service to our clients. Staying current with the ever-changing health care environment and senior living trends will ensure that Ruby Care maintains its leading edge. We will continue building brand recognition and growing our team. As technology evolves, Ruby Care offers increased access to information and ease of communication.The Senior Living Industry is greatly expanding; its an industry on the rise. Ruby Care set itself apart by doing business in an altruistic way from the rest demonstrated by phenomenal growth since its inception in 2016.