Long Term Care

Long-term care involves a variety of services for people with a prolonged physical illness, disability or cognitive disorder. Long-term care is not one service, but various different services aimed at helping people with chronic conditions compensate for limitations in their ability to function independently. Long-term care differs from traditional medical care in that it is designed to assist a person to maintain his or her level of functioning; traditional medical care or service is designed to rehabilitate or correct certain medical problems that the individual experiences. Compare Insurance Quotes and Save! Long-term care (LTC) insurance is a product that has already caught the attention of senior citizens, and while most younger Americans don't really think about LTC, the ideal age to purchase coverage is actually when you’re in your early 50s and in good health. At that point, monthly premiums are lower, and you’re less likely to have a pre-existing condition that disqualifies you from coverage. However,  a society that values a youthful appearance seems unwilling to recognize these expensive facts of life. Compare Long Term Care Quotes and Save! The costs of long-term care are staggering today and should continue to  soar  when baby boomers retire. Even the GenXers won’t escape the impact. Your parents will either spend your inheritance on nursing home care, or you may find yourself taking care of your elderly parents out of your own retirement funds. We all get older and now you can protect your future with free Long Term Care quotes Long-term care insurance can solve the problem in most cases. The latest generation of policies pay for "home care" at a senior daycare facility, as well as care in a skilled or custodial nursing facility. A portion of premiums may be tax-deductible, depending on your age and income. But not all policies are alike, the business is growing (There were just 4.1 million policy holders in 1998.) and coverages are constantly evolving, so study both the product and the pricing before making your purchase decision.

Types of Long-Term Care **
Following are brief descriptions of the major types of long-term care:

Nursing homes offer care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. They provide skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, meals, activities, assist with daily living, and supervision. Many nursing homes also offer temporary or periodic care.

Assisted living provides 24-hour supervision, assistance, meals, and health care services in a home-like setting. Services include help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, medicine, transportation, laundry, and housekeeping. Social and recreational activities also are provided.

Home care can be given in your own home by family members, friends, volunteers, or paid professionals. This type of care can range from help with shopping to nursing care. Some short-term, skilled home care (provided by a nurse or therapist) is covered by Medicare and is called home health care. Another type that can be given at home is hospice care for terminally ill people.

Community services are services that can include adult day care, meal programs, senior centers, transportation, and other services. These can help people who are cared for at home-and their families. For example, adult day care services provide a range of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting during the day. This can help adults with impairments such as Alzheimer's disease continue to live in the community. This can also provide a necessary break for those friends or family members who provide majority of the care and support for the individual.

Supportive housing programs offer low-cost housing to older people with low to moderate incomes. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and State or local governments often develop such housing programs. A number of these facilities offer help with meals and tasks such as housekeeping, shopping, and laundry. Residents usually live on their own.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) provide a range of services and care based on what each resident needs over time. Care usually is provided in one of three main stages: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, depending on the situation. 

** Source: Insurance Finder

Compare Long Term Care Quotes and Save!

Read more about Long Term Care...