Senior care Archives - Allied Senior Living Resources

Navigating Long Term Health Insurance

Navigating long term health insurance can be tricky with the increasing need for it. Many people worry about medical costs and the expenses that accrue with assisted living.

So how do people pay for long term care?

There are three options: Personal Funds, Government Programs, Long Term Health Insurance. This article will focus on Government Programs that can assist and Long Term Health Insurance.

Government Programs

Listed below are the options available. It may take time to research and see which one that you can qualify for but it’s a great place to start.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Medicaid
Pace (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security
National Council on Aging
Benefits.gov

Long-Term Health Insurance

The cost of long term health Insurance is calculated based on a person’s age and gender, health and family history, lifestyle habits, location, and the policy type including how much a policy will pay per day, how many days or years a plan will pay out.

People with certain conditions may be denied long term health insurance it is possible that another company will accept you. Some conditions that might be denied for long term health insurance are if you are currently using or are in need of long-term care services, have AIDS, have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, a cognitive dysfunction, a neurological condition, have a history of stroke(s), and metastatic cancer.

If you bought your long-term care insurance before you developed one of the health conditions listed above, then your policy will cover the care you need for that condition.

Some things to think about when shopping for Long-Term Health Insurance:

Don’t buy too much insurance if you have family members willing to supplement care.
Don’t buy too little insurance or else you will end up paying more from your own pocket and it’s difficult to increase care.
Carefully examine each policy for what it covers and what it doesn’t and think about realistically how much you’ll need.
Plan for other expenses like medications, supplies, clothing, linens that a plan will not cover.
Get a plan it sooner than later to save money
Get a plan you can afford overtime with varying incomes
Don’t rush into a decision
Talk to a professional that can help you research the best option

From AALTCI.org they state “Your long-term care plan should be tailored to your particular situation and only a knowledgeable professional can best help you do that.”

For a free quote for a tailored plan from AALTCI.org click here.

Or to talk to one of our representatives via email or call us at 1(800) 209-8009.

How do I know if it’s Dementia?

You may be looking at your loved one asking, “How do I know if it’s Dementia?”

Let’s start with the definition of dementia first.

Dementia is a decline in cognitive function. To be considered dementia, mental impairment must affect at least two brain functions. Those brain functions can be:

language
memory
thinking
behavior
judgement

Dementia is not a disease but it is caused by an injury or illness. It can range from mild to severe and can progressively get worse overtime. You might be happy to hear that some dementia is treatable and reversible.

What are possible symptoms of Dementia?

Confusion – Confusion over sense of direction, who people are, places, or events that took place.
Word recollection – Difficult searching for the right words, or word association.
Short-term memory loss – Memory loss with events that just took place but no trouble remembering things that took place years ago.
Mood swings – Typical moods turn to depression, frustration, and anger.
Everyday tasks become difficult – It can become a struggle to remember how to do normal tasks they they have done for many years.
Unable to cope well with change – Difficult in adapting to a change of schedule or environment.
Loss of interest – Hobbies and activities that once were enjoyed no longer do.
Apathy – They no longer show empathy to others.

Can Dementia Be Treated?

Dementia can be treated in some cases but not in all.

You may be able to treat dementia through medication. Chollinesterase inhibitors and Memantine. Side effects can occur so it is good to talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons about them.

A non-drug therapy is also an option that can help reduce the symptoms of the disease. Reducing over stimulation can help along with a health care provider breaking down everyday tasks to make them more manageable. Occupational therapy with the help of a health care provider make the patient learn how to be safer and more secure with tasks.

Contact Allied Senior Living for more information on Dementia.

ASSISTED LIVING CENTER OR INDEPENDENT LIVING HOME CARE?

DON’T MISS THE SIGNS!

It’s the holiday season, and it’s a time to re-unite with our loved ones. We may be shocked to see them aging or signs of decline that concern us. CEO of Life Care Funding Chris Orestis says right after the holidays is usually the busiest time of year for senior assisted living admissions. “Don’t blow off the warning signs,” Chris urges. There are a number of distinct signs that point to needing additional assistance. Is there more common forgetfulness or confusion? Are there things around the house that are uncommonly placed? Are they taking care of their personal hygiene?