(NAPSA)—Aspeople age, the desire to remain in their homes, close to family, friends and familiar surroundings, deepens. However, the ability to remain totally independent within one’s own SINCEYOUCAR ele herceetaNrens nel ead ieeeeeceteietNectar iaeleeeteeiSetaaeee} About the Subject environment often diminishes. Millions of Americans spend part or all of their day assisting and caring for family members or friends who need help to stay in their homes. Often, however, paid outside help is needed to supplementthis care becauseof the caregiver’s responsibilities for children or work outside the home. Americans presently spend over $40 billion annually on homecare, allowing loved ones to remain at home and “agein place.” If you or someone you know is looking into homecare for a relative, or may soon bein that position, here is some information that may help make the process more manageable: Determining the individual’s care requirements. Will there be a need for hands-on care such as bathing, dressing and toileting? Are there cognitive issues that will require a different type of care? Are there financial restrictions? Is the individual willing to receive help? Write down the answers to these questions, along with the estimated amount of time and numberof days that a caregiver will be needed. When you call a home care agency, you will want to have this information at hand. If you require help making these assessments, check with a nearby senior center. They often have social workers who can perform assessments or direct you to someone who can, such as a geriatric care manager. This is a professional who specializes in assisting older people and their families in making long-term care arrange- care from certified nursing assistants if they are included as part of a skilled plan ofcare. * Contacting an agency. Every state has the authority to license and regulate its home care agency system. As a result, there are often variations in licensure requirements and regulations from state to state. The exception is Medicare-certified agencies, which must also comply with federal regulations. If care is to be covered under Medicare, it must Free information is available for families that need to make longterm care decisions. ments. They can do in-home assessments, develop care plans and monitor services. Identifying the type of care that is required. Custodial or supportive care is usually provided by paraprofessionals—home health aides, home care aides and nursing assistants who provide hands-on care to people in their homes, nursing homes orassisted living facilities. Custodial care includes assistance with bathing, dressing and mobility, as well as transportation, light housekeeping andsimilar tasks. Skilled care is usually provided by health care professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or therapists, underthe direction of a physician. Most often, skilled care is needed after a person has been hospitalized due to a fall or other medical condition. Discharge planners and social workers assist in the coordination and arrangement of these services, which may include some come from a Medicare-certified agency. Paying for care. While many older adults count on Medicare to cover their homecare needs, the reality is that Medicare will only cover homecare costsif an individual has a skilled need and meets specific Medicare criteria. It will not cover ongoing longterm care services. It is important to know that custodial care is not typically covered by Medicare or most private health insurance. Funding for custodial care must often come from personal resources. The local Area Agency on Aging is a good place to check for programsor services for which an individual might qualify. One good source of information is a free booklet from the MetLife Mature Market Institute called “.” It’s part of the “Since You Care” series of guides, created in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving. It includes advice, resources and checklists. You can get a copy by calling (203) 221-6580, e-mailing maturemarketinstitute@metlife. com, visiting www.maturemarket institute.com or writing to MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.
