What is Assisted Living?
The Assisted Living Federation of America defines assisted living as a senior living option that combines housing, support services and health care, as needed. Assisted living is designed for individuals who require assistance with everyday activities such as meals, medication management or assistance, bathing, dressing and transportation. Some residents may have memory disorders including Alzheimer's, or they may need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges. Residents are assessed upon move in, or any time there is a change in condition. The assessment is used to develop an Individualized Service Plan.
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for Assisted Living?
Medicare will not cover Assisted Living but will cover the cost for Home Health agencies to care for their patients who are in an Assisted Living. This can include nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as diabetes/insulin management. Medicaid has a waiver program that may cover a portion of Assisted Living in approved facilites only.
Are there benefits for Veterans?
Yes! There are special pension benefits available to help Veterans who served during a war period and/or their widows (Claimant) pay for their medical care. There are asset and income limits to qualify for these benefits; The Claimant may qualify for this benefit if the service, financial and medical qualifications are met. The Veteran can, also qualify for medical supplies and medicines from the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA). This benefit is called Aid and Attendance Pension (A&A). This is not a pension it is a non-service connected disability. The basic information and forms are available at www.va.gov.
Will Long Term Care Insurance pay for Assisted Living?
It will depend on the policy but some plans do have a benefit that will pay the entire amount or a portion of the cost. You will need to look at the plan to see if it has a benefit for Personal Care Homes or Asssited Living.
How can I help my loved one who has Dementia or Alzheimers?
Caregiver Tips for Loved Ones Suffering from Alzheimer's or Dementia
Dementia is a word used to describe the symptoms of many diseases and processes. Dementia itself is not a specific disease but a collection of symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
• Memory loss
• Loss of reasoning
• Loss of cognition, thinking skills
• Poor judgment
Avoid questions involving why or how, instead of asking what, when and where, because the person with Alzheimer's disease can no longer reason. This could help decrease agitation and frustration.
It may be helpful in the early stages of the Alzheimer's disease process to use notes, calendars, and signs to prompt the person with memory loss from the disease.
Dementia that may be caused by urinary tract infections and dehydration can be reversible. If you notice increased confusion, look for these clues first:
• Dehydration
• Infection
• Malnutrition (simply not eating enough)
• Medication changes
• Changes in routine/environment
Dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease is non-reversible because it causes physical changes in the brain. Neurons are brain cells that pass information from one part of the brain to another. Plagues and tangles in the brain cells characterize Alzheimer's disease. Plagues and tangles interrupt transmission of information between neurons; causing the messages to not get through. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease. For more information go to www.alz.org.