Area Office on Aging of NWO - Long Term Care Consultation

Long-term care used to mean just nursing facility care. Today, long-term care applies to a number of daily personal and health care services for persons of any age. In many cases your needs can be met while living independently. Should you or a loved one need help making wise long-term care decisions, help is now a phone call away. A new, statewide assistance program called Long Term Care Consultations was created with you in mind.

Long Term Care Consultants will perform a free evaluation of your long-term care options. Our specialists are nurses, social workers and other professionals trained to meet with families and/or individuals. They will help you discuss your needs and available services, discuss eligibility requirements and financial resources required, and create a plan for you.

YOUR SOURCE FOR LONG TERM CARE OPTIONS:

Being informed about future long-term health care options can avoid stress for yourself and your family; ensure that your own personal choices are observed, and that your financial resources are put to their best use. Residential and community-based care opens the door to a variety of choices-and complex decisions. A number of options may be available, such as adult daycare, delivered meals and personal care, as well as other options such as assisted living. Long Term Care Consultation helps you explore your options. The purpose is to supply information to allow you to make informed choices.

CHOOSING THE BEST CARE YOU CAN AFFORD:

The cost of long-term care services varies widely - depending on the program's source of support, the locale and market for the services.

Figuring out how to pay for care can be very confusing. Medicare coverage for long-term care is very limited, and private insurance policies vary in coverage levels, costs and period of time covered. Long Term Care Consultation professionals can help you depending what services are appropriate, available and affordable.

SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE:

Don't let the lack of planning rob you or your family of choices. You should take these steps today to help preserve your independence.
STEP 1 -
Examine your financial resources. What will Social Security and our private pension provide? How do your bank-account savings, investments and other assets stack up?
STEP 2 -
Assess your current and future needs, Issues of personal safety, caregiver' schedules, quality of care and location of services are issues that should affect your decision-making.
STEP 3 -
Then, arrange a meeting with a Long Term Care Consultation specialist to discuss your long-term care options.

If you begin exploring your options today, you will have time to investigate a variety of long-term care resources. Talk to your consultant about the most appropriate care path for your situation.