What level of care does my loved one fit in?

Guest Column
By: 
Leann Herman
Monticello Nursing & Rehab Campus

     Understanding the different levels of care and the expected costs of services in your community is the first important step in caring for a loved one. Educating yourself on this topic is more important than people realize. Below is a breakdown to help you walk through the levels.

     Independent living: For seniors 60-plus who want to have a private apartment in a senior community. Conveniences associated with this level of care include meals, housekeeping, laundry services, transportation, activities and maintenance. This level of care is paid privately by the tenant and costs range from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

     Assisted Living:  For seniors 60-plus who wish to have a private apartment in a senior community. Assisted living also provides the convenience of meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, maintenance, and activities. Assisted living is also licensed to provide healthcare services and is required to have 24-hour nursing staff. The healthcare services provided are: bathing, hygiene, dressing, mobility assistance, meal and activity reminders, safety checks, medication management, nurse support, and scheduled monitoring of lab work. A person is no longer considered appropriate for assisted living if they require two or more people to assist them with their daily activities, are medically unstable or have memory care concerns that affect their safety (unless living in a memory care unit). A portion of this level of care may be covered by Long-Term Care Insurance or VA benefits with the balance being paid privately. The costs typically range from $2,5000 to $4,500 per month.

     Long-Term Care (Nursing Home): Nursing homes provide all of the services above and can accept those needing maximum assistance in all their cares. They are able to provide skilled care as well as for individuals needing intense physical and occupational therapy. The first 20 days of skilled care may be covered at 100 percent by Medicare if the patient qualifies by having a 72-hour acute admission at the hospital. The remaining 80 days Medicare may cover a portion of the daily rate if the individual is showing progress. If a patient doesn’t qualify under Medicare, the fees are paid privately. The cost for nursing home care ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 per month.

     By reading this article, you have taken the first step in understanding senior care. To stay current on the senior care, visit www.monticellocampus.com.

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