There are a few ways a person can pay for long-term care. Long-term care insurance is one option, however very few people purchase and maintain this type of insurance. Medicare is another option. Medicare only pays for care if skilled nursing/rehab is needed. The maximum stay at a skilled nursing facility is 100 days. Medicaid is an additional option that pays for the largest portion of long-term care. Qualifying for Medicaid is challenging. The qualifications and guidelines for Medicaid are strict, placing older adult’s health at stake. Other programs such as the Older Americans Act and the Department of Veteran Affairs maybe helpful, nonetheless they have qualification restrictions that are also tough for people to qualify for. …show more content…
Not all companies/business offer it, therefore people are not aware of how it can help in the future. Long-term care facilities are not affordable or readily available. Most elderly people only qualify after they have exhausted their assets. Facilities that offer care have issues with funding and staffing, which can lead to inadequate care. An added problem with long-term insurance is, services and qualifications vary from state to state. One in five adults with long-term care needs reports an inability to get the care they need, often with serious consequences’. (Feder, pg. 41) Types of Long-Term Care Many people are confused and uninformed when it comes to long-term care, therefore choosing the right option is challenging. Understanding the different types of what they provide is key when deciding the scope of services needed to fit the individual’s needs. The following are a few different types of long-term care facilities and the services offered. 1. Home care is a good choice for someone that can continue to maintain in their own home. It can be given by family, friends, volunteers, or professionals. Home care can assist with an array of services such as help with everyday activities like shopping, meal prepping, and nursing