PAYING FOR CAREGIVERS
HOW DO I PAY FOR ELDERCARE FOR MY LOVED ONE?
Providing care for a loved one can not only be emotionally draining and physically exhausting, but it can be extremely expensive, especially if the care recipient is suffering from advanced dementia, has mobility issues, or needs a lot of hands-on assistance with personal care needs.
While many family caregivers are determined to be the sole care provider for their elderly or chronically-ill loved one, there’s a good chance there will come a time when extra help is needed as their needs progress. Planning ahead and locating helpful programs and services before there’s a crisis is a great way to keep your loved one safe while providing the continuum of care he or she needs. Finding a non-family caregiver everyone feels comfortable with can be a real challenge, but paying for that care can be even harder.
DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR IN-HOME CAREGIVERS?
Many caregivers are already juggling the needs of their own jobs, families, households, and their elderly or chronically-ill loved ones, so finding the funds to pay for quality, outside caregivers can seem impossible. Although it seems logical that Medicare and Medicaid would pay for caregivers to help patients remain in their homes as long as possible, it’s unfortunately not the case.
Medicare does cover a limited amount of in-home care after a qualified hospital stay but only while a patient is recuperating or is receiving some sort of rehab, either at home or at a rehab facility. Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer at least the same coverage as standard Medicare PLUS any additional perks, coverage, or programs. Depending on the plan, it is possible that there could be some limited coverage for in-home care. Contact your insurance provider to clarify what may or may not be covered when it comes to long-term care.
Unfortunately, for ongoing caregiving needs, families must usually find other sources of funding. It may take some digging, but it is possible to find various free or discounted programs and services, or those covered by insurance. With the exception of pre-paid, long-term insurance, no policy covers 24/7 care, however it is possible to piece together a variety of services that can help bridge the gaps and lighten your caregiver load, giving you a much-needed break, or additional support.
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP FOR MY ELDERLY LOVED ONE?
Because resources will vary based on your state and county, funding, and eligibility guidelines, one of the first places to start is www.eldercare.acl.gov/public (formerly eldercare.gov). You can search for local programs and services by city or zip code on the website or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
When you call you will be connected with someone who can help answer questions and provide you with general information to help find programs that meet your loved one’s needs. Depending on where you live, there can be a wide assortment of free or discounted services to help with transportation, home healthcare, senior services, home repairs, utility assistance, caregiver support groups, volunteer organizations, and other services.
WORKING WITH AN ELDERCARE CASE MANAGER
For more advanced services, such as those for a patient with advanced dementia or patients who are no longer able to walk or shower unattended, you can ask to be referred to a case worker who will conduct an assessment of the patient to determine which services they would recomment. The case worker will work with you to help arrange for any and all services you choose to use.
While it will depend on the needs of your loved one and any eligibility guidelines, there may be programs and services available in your area to help with in-home care, assistive devices, adult day services, dementia care, mobility assistance, meal delivery, senior centers, visiting nurses, respite care, caregiver support services, and more.
Your case manager should be able to offer guidance into some of the financial options available to assist with in-home care, adult daycare, or respite services. Some programs may be location-specific while others could be available through insurance, a long-term care insurance plan, or through the VA’s Aid & Attendance program, for eligible veterans or their surviving spouses.
To determine eligibility visit the VA.gov website at: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
To apply for the VA’s Aid & Attendance Pension visit: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-2680/
BEING A CAREGIVER IS HARD.
HELP IS AVAILABLE IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.
For many families, one of the hardest things to do is to ask for help. But it’s important to know that there is a large network of programs and services in place to help care for those who need assistance and as a caregiver, you don’t have to do it all. Even taking advantage of respite services once a week can give you a much-needed emotional break, which is critical to maintaining your own health and well-being so you can continue to provide the care your loved one deserves.
Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich