Long Term Care
What are the different levels of care?
Personal Care
Short and long-term care for those who need a protected environment
but who can take care of themselves, dress themselves, walk independently
and perform other activities of daily living.
Intermediate Care
Short and long-term care requiring custodial assistance. Conditions
that apply include; help with walking, eating, bathing and use of
the toilet. Supportive care at this level protects you from further
deterioration.
Skilled Care
Short and long-term care requiring intermittent professional care
by a registered nurse, physical, speech or occupational therapist
on a daily basis. Conditions which apply include the use of tube
feeding and intravenous fluids.
What are the financial arrangements and billing procedures
I should consider?
Medicare
Medicare will pay a finite number of days under skilled care if
you meet specific criteria. The same conditions apply for Medicare
supplements.
Medicaid
If you qualify, Medicaid will pay most nursing home care costs,
if the NH is medicaid certified. Medicaid only covers skilled
& intermediate levels of care.
Private Insurance
Long-term care insurance policies are available and must be reviewed
carefully for adequate coverage.
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