What to Do About Long-Term Care in Light of COVID-19

 

Long-term care can boost quality of life for seniors, people with declining health, and for caregivers. However, if you’re faced with the decision to make that transition during the pandemic, it can be a frightening proposition. With that in mind, Pbris Real Estate Services presents this guide that explores whom long-term care serves, different types of care, and how to ensure the solution you choose is a safe one.

What Options Are Available?

Long-term care

Long-term care comes in a variety of types to fit various circumstances and needs. The highest level of care comes from nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, where chronically ill people or those who are unable to tend their own health receive nursing assistance around-the-clock. 

Assisted living

Those with less serious health concerns but who need help with activities of daily living—like bathing, eating, and dressing—can have their needs met in an assisted living facility. These facilities provide help with those daily living basics, as well as light housekeeping, transportation, and medication administration. Residents can also enjoy other amenities such as club activities, shopping outings, and game nights. If there are specific services that you’re looking for in an assisted living facility, websites like SeniorCare can help you filter search results based on what you need (24-hour staff, meal preparation, etc.). This can help you quickly identify the places that suit your needs and lifestyle.

Paying for Care

Given the costs involved with long-term care, whatever decision you make should be a financially savvy one. Elder Needs Law recommends getting more familiar with your personal funding options and how you will cover the expense of the solution best for you. For example, traditional Medicare has very limited coverage for long-term care but offers excellent support for keeping seniors healthy. 

If you or someone you love is reevaluating coverage options, keep in mind that Medicare’s Annual Election Period begins on October 15 and ends on December 7 each year. It’s during this time that you can adjust your coverage. Be sure to gather pertinent information before you begin the process, such as a list of current healthcare providers and copies of medical bills from the past year.

Medicare and related policies aren’t your only payment options. Those who have long-term care insurance can use it to pay for care, and HSA funds can also help out. Veterans and their families often benefit from VA assistance, and there are hybrid life insurance policies that are popular solutions. 

Many people moving into a care facility elect to make selling their home part of the transition. This is a logical step, although given the pandemic’s effects on the housing market, you should pay careful attention to what’s happening in your location. Weigh all your options carefully and price out your preferences before diving into a decision. 

Care and COVID-19

It’s natural to be concerned about enrolling in, or remaining in, a long-term care facility right now. Thankfully, the CDC has strict guidelines for long-term care facilities and how they handle medical procedures, maintain their facilities, train staff, and monitor health. Staff are encouraged to help residents with things like video chatting with loved ones, and procedures to check for the virus are established and ready should there be cause for concern. 

Older adults and those with chronic health concerns—which of course includes the residents of long-term care—are at an increased risk for serious complications from COVID-19. Thanks to strict guidelines, though, a case could be made that people within long-term care facilities are at less risk than those not in long-term care. 

Long-term care is a big decision, and COVID-19 complicates matters. Yet finding the right type of care for you or your loved one can make a huge difference in quality of life. Weigh your options and circumstances carefully, and seek out the solution that makes the most sense.

When the time comes, Pbris Real Estate Services can help you sell your home before you transition to long-term care. Contact us today using this form!