Long-Term Care Plans
Long-term care is a term used to describe many different services that individuals may need for various reasons. It is also a type of insurance which helps pay for these services.
The most common type of long-term care is personal care — help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living.” These activities include bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around.
What Does Long-Term Care Include?
Long-term care also includes community services such as meals, adult day care, and transportation services. People often need long-term care when they have a serious, ongoing health condition or disability. The need for long-term care can arise suddenly, such as after a heart attack or stroke. Most often, however, it develops gradually, as people get older and more frail or as an illness or disability gets worse.
The need for this care can be short term (often when recovering from a surgery or medical condition) or long term (when a permanent impairment occurs). he care can be provided at home or in a nursing home or skilled nursing or assisted living facility.
Because there are so many variations in the needs and types of care, there are a number of different insurance policies that can be purchased to help with these costs. Some will only cover you in a facility, some only in your home, and some will pay for both situations.
What Are the Costs?
The costs of care can be quite high. There are insurance policies that range from $30 a month to $500 or more per month, so coverage is attainable for almost anyone. We are happy to help you find a plan that will suit your needs and your budget. Give us a call to set up a free consultation.
Below are some national average costs for long-term care in the United States (in 2021). Average costs for specific states are also available.
- $225 a day or $6,844 per month for a semi-private room in a nursing home
- $253 a day or $7,698 per month for a private room in a nursing home
- $119 a day or $3,628 per month for care in an assisted living facility (for a one-bedroom unit)
- $20.50 an hour for a health aide
- $20 an hour for homemaker services
- $68 per day for services in an adult day health care center
The cost of long-term care depends on the type and duration of care you need, the provider you use, and where you live. Costs can be affected by certain factors, such as:
- Time of day — Home health and home care services, provided in two- to-four-hour blocks of time referred to as “visits,” are generally more expensive in the evening, on weekends, and on holidays.
- Extra charges for services provided beyond the basic room, food and housekeeping charges at facilities, although some may have “all inclusive” fees.
- Variable rates in some community programs, such as adult day care service, are provided at a per-day rate, but can be more based on extra events and activities.
SOURCE: U.S. DEPT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)