Common Terms In The World Of Eldercare

| Thursday, May 15, 2014
By Rue Nichols


Looking for some kind of eldercare facility for a loved one or your own need may present a rather confusing world to traverse in. It is wise that before you choose to get into this world you are at least familiar with common phrases and terms describing every facility and benefits each has. To help you learn more easily, read the information below.

There are many types of care and they all seem to have at least half a dozen different names associated with them. For instance, one choice is assisted living. This also can be called an adult living facility, domiciliary care, sheltered housing or even a community based retirement facility. In general, these are communities that include private apartments for residents. The monthly fees vary on the size of your apartment, but services typically include full meal services, a host of activities, an exercise facility and some basic help with daily personal chores. Rarely is any type of medical care provided, and the monthly fees are not covered by any type of government assistance.

Another option, though smaller, is the board and care facilities which cater to only five to six people or maybe less. The typical board and care is found in private residential homes and rates often include meals, services for laundry and housekeeping as well as daily help for chores but residents have private bedrooms, not apartments. Another term for this type is boarding home, group home or residential care home. There are times when Supplemental Security Income as benefits can pay for the fees, a portion or all. Also, a Medicaid 1915-c waiver can be equated with costs when living in some of 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.

Around San Diego or Orange County, looking for eldercare options can be easier with Care Placement. The staff members will help you figure out which care comes best for your needs as well as financial capability. They have a list of appropriate facilities you can then visit and do your comparison for the realization of the best care services option to choose.




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