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dimanche 11 mai 2014

Becoming Familiar With Terms In The Eldercare World

By Rue Nichols


If you or a loved one is thinking about moving into some type of eldercare facility, this can be a confusing world to navigate. There are all sorts of commonly used phrases and terms to describe different types of facilities and benefits that you need to learn about before you dive into the sea of eldercare. Here is some helpful information that can make it all a bit easier.

The types of eldercare come in several numbers and seem to bear half a dozen names at least. An example is the assisted living. This particular type is also referred to as domiciliary care, adult living facility, sheltered housing and sometimes community based retirement facility. Basically, these are communities housing many private apartments. Monthly fees of course vary according to the apartment size however the services commonly included are full meal services, a variety of activities, exercise facility and help for basic daily personal tasks. You are not likely to find medical care inclusive in such type and not likely to find fees covered by any form of government assistance.

Board and care facilities are another option, and these are smaller with only about five or six people and sometimes less. They are located in private residential homes and meals, housekeeping, laundry and daily help are included in the rates, but residents have a private bedroom rather than an apartment. These also are called boarding homes, residential care homes or group homes. Sometimes benefits such as Supplemental Security Income can be used to pay for a portion or all of the fees. Sometimes a Medicaid 1915-c waiver also can be used to cover the costs of living in these facilities.

The federal program SSI or Supplemental Security Income comes with the purpose to help seniors with low incomes by providing extra income. Basic needs like food, shelter and clothing can be addressed by this income. It principally aims to help elderly, the blind and those disabled. Costs for some board and care homes can be paid using SSI but hardly ever in nursing homes.

Medicaid is another government program that can be a helpful resource for seniors. It is a social health care program and sometimes those receiving SSI benefits also become enrolled in Medicaid, which can provide them with health insurance. Medicaid is different from Medicare, although they sound similar. Medicare also provides insurance, but everyone who works pays into this trust fund. It's quite similar, in theory, to Social Security. Money from paychecks is deducted to cover our future Medicare costs. Medicaid and SSI, on the other hand, is collected from general tax dollars and used to help those who are poor, disabled, aged and unable to work for a variety of reasons.

Residents in skilled nursing facilities can often pay using Medicaid. Older adults unable to live on their own and can't afford the board and care, in-home care or assisted living can have this as an option. As for the Medicare, it can be used to suffice medical expenses in nursing homes but not the cost of living there without the need for medical care. Such facilities are also called nursing homes. Those with smaller incomes can also opt for Veteran's care homes, open for veterans and spouses, obviously. You can choose from independent living, assisted living and full skilled nursing care for the type of care you wish to avail of.

When selecting an option for eldercare anywhere in Orange or San Diego counties, consider contacting Care Placement. They can help you figure out what type of care is best suited to your needs and what fits best into your budget. From there, they can provide a list of suitable facilities for you to visit and compare, helping you make the best possible decision for care services.




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