Long term care helps people maintain independence if they are unable to perform activities of daily living on their own. This includes things like using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, and transferring.
Long-term care often takes place at home, provided informally by friends and family or formally by a paid caregiver. Senior centers and adult day care programs also offer longterm care support through transportation and meals. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes provide long-term care for those who need more comprehensive help.
Review whether your loved one has long-term care insurance or contributed to a plan during their career. If they have life insurance, check the policy details, as some plans offer coverage for long-term care.
Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs may cover certain types of long-term care, including paying informal caregivers. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for information about programs in your area.
