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WHAT IS A NURSING HOME (SKILLED NURSING FACILITY)?
A skilled nursing facility, or SNF, is a residential care facility that provides acute and sub-acute care to patients in need of medically necessary rehabilitation treatment. SNF's are also known as nursing homes or nursing facilities, depending on how they are funded. SNF's are different from assisted living facilities and adult family homes, which are better suited for people who want to be part of a community long-term.
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY?
Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for clients who have complicated care needs that need to be closely monitored by a nurse or doctor, or clients who have a short-term recovery from a surgery, accident, or health episode.
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WHAT IS AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY?
Assisted living facilities are facilities in a community setting where staff assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. Housing, meals, laundry, supervision, and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Care staff is on-site 24 hours a day.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR AN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY?
Assisted living communities are ideal for clients that don't have extensive care needs or cognitive decline. They are ideal for clients that enjoy social interaction and are able to do most activities of daily living with minimum to moderate assistance.
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WHAT IS AN ADULT FAMILY HOME?
Adult family homes are regular neighborhood homes where staff assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of the adult. A room, meals, laundry, supervision and varying levels of assistance with care are provided. Some provide nursing care and dementia care. The home can have two to eight residents and is licensed by the state. Care staff is on-site 24 hours a day.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR AN ADULT FAMILY HOME?
Adult family homes are ideal for clients who have higher care needs and/or cognitive decline. They are ideal for clients that need help with most activities of daily living and would benefit from more one-on-one care. Clients with dementia may also qualify to be in an adult family home.
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WHAT IS A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY?
Memory care communities offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. They provide 24-hour care and support, and often include activities and programs designed to help residents maintain their independence and cognitive abilities. They can be found in many different settings, including continuing care assisted living communities and nursing homes.
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WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY?
Memory care communities are ideal for clients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia who need a locked unit for their safety (they are prone to wander and/or are an elopement risk). Not all dementia clients need a locked unit.
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WHAT IS SENIOR HOME CARE (IN-HOME CARE)?
In-home care is a type of support service that allows individuals—typically seniors or those with disabilities—to receive personalized assistance while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.
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WHAT SERVICES DOES SENIOR HOME CARE (IN-HOME CARE) PROVIDE?
In-home care offers seniors and individuals with disabilities the support they need to maintain independence while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Services typically include assistance with personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companionship, transportation and more. Services are tailored to each individuals needs.
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MY LOVED ONE HAS LIMITED FUNDS TO PAY FOR CARE; WHAT DO I DO?
If your loved one has limited funds to pay for care, there are still options available. While some care communities operate on a private-pay basis and do not accept Medicaid, others may require at least two years of private payment "spend-down" before allowing a transition to Medicaid-funded care. Navigating these financial considerations can be overwhelming, but Assured Care is here to help. We can guide you through the process and assist in finding a care solution that best fits your loved one’s needs and financial situation.
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WHAT IS A MEDICAID SPEND-DOWN?
A Medicaid spend-down is the process of using personal funds to pay for care until you qualify for Medicaid, the state-funded care program. This includes spending assets such as savings, retirement funds, property, and even a home. Care communities have different policies regarding Medicaid spend-downs—some require residents to pay privately for their entire stay, while others have a minimum private-pay period of two years before transitioning to Medicaid. Some communities offer more flexibility in their requirements. Understanding these options can be complex, but Assured Care provides guidance on what care options best fit your financial situation.
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DO I QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID?
Determining Medicaid eligibility can be complicated. In general, the state requires you to exhaust most of your personal funds before Medicaid will cover the cost of care. However, there are many rules and regulations surrounding the application process, and ensuring compliance is crucial. To navigate this process smoothly and avoid potential pitfalls, we strongly recommend consulting with an Estate Planning Attorney. Assured Care partners with experienced Estate Planning Attorneys who can help assess your financial situation, identify your needs, and develop a plan for the Medicaid spend-down. They’ll also ensure all forms are completed correctly, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.​
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WHAT SERVICES AND AMENITIES DO RETIREMENT HOMES TYPICALLY OFFER?
Retirement homes often provide 24-hour supervision, assistance with personal care, recreational activities, meal services, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication management, and access to medical care as needed.​
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WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING CARE OPTIONS FOR MY LOVED ONE?
When choosing a senior care community, it's important to consider factors like the level of care provided, staff-to-resident ratio, safety and security measures, cleanliness, meal options, social activities, resident satisfaction, financial eligibility, and licensing. Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but Assured Care is here to help.​​​
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What Is the Difference Between a Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Facility?
A nursing home, or skilled nursing facility (SNF), provides intensive medical care and 24-hour supervision for individuals with complex health needs or those recovering from surgery or illness. Assisted living facilities focus on personal care, such as help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, in a community setting for those who need less medical support.
How Can I Pay for In-Home Care Services?
In-home care services, such as personal care assistance or homemaker services, can be funded through private pay, long-term care insurance, or veterans’ benefits. Costs vary based on the level of care and location. Assured Care can help identify providers that align with your financial and care needs.
How Can I Find a Memory Care Facility That Meets My Needs?
To find a memory care facility, consider factors like specialized staff training, secure environments, and activities tailored for Alzheimer’s or dementia. Assured Care can assist in identifying facilities that align with your financial resources and care requirements.
What Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?
A CCRC offers multiple levels of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents can transition between care levels as needs change. Most require a one-time entrance fee and monthly fees, with costs varying based on the community and services.
Who Can Benefit from Assisted Living Services?
Assisted living is ideal for individuals who need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, or medication management, but do not require intensive medical care. Assured Care can guide you in assessing whether assisted living suits your needs and finding the right facility.
What Are Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?
HCBS are programs that provide long-term care services, such as personal care or adult day care, to help individuals remain in their homes or communities instead of moving to a nursing home. We don’t provide, or place people in adult day care, but there are other options out there that do. Assured Care can connect you with providers offering these services. Even people who just want to downsize, their home is too much to care for, they want meals prepared, or have a community of people around them
Can Veterans Access Long-Term Care Benefits for Assisted Living or Nursing Homes?
Veterans may qualify for VA benefits to cover in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. Contact the VA or Assured Care for assistance in exploring these options.
How Can I Protect My Assets When Planning for Long-Term Care?
If they haven't already planned for this time, it's hard to protect assets because the state does a 5 year lookback. If you need care ASAP, there's not really any way to "protect" assets unless you have a lot of capital. Consulting an Estate Planning Attorney, partnered with Assured Care, can help you navigate financial planning to cover care costs while preserving assets.
How Do I Know If My Loved One Needs Memory Care vs. Assisted Living?
Alzheimer’s or dementia is typically thought of for memory care for those who need specialized support and secure environments. Not everyone with dementia needs memory care. It all depends on what their behaviors/care needs are. Assisted living suits those needing help with daily activities but without significant cognitive impairment. Assured Care can assess your loved one’s needs.
What Are Adult Day Health Care Programs, and How Are They Funded?
Adult day health care programs provide daytime supervision, social activities, and care for seniors, often including meals and health monitoring. These programs are typically funded through private pay or veterans’ benefits. Assured Care doesn’t help for this option, but we can refer you to quality Senior Centers.
How Can I Compare the Quality of Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities?
Check their google page for reviews, and then look at assisted living reports which you can find through the DSHS website. For assisted living, check state licensing, resident reviews, and visit facilities. Assured Care can help evaluate options based on care needs and budget.
What Is Long-Term Care Insurance, and How Does It Work for Senior Care?
Long-term care insurance covers services like nursing homes, adult family homes, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care, depending on the policy. Coverage varies, and pre-existing conditions may limit benefits. Assured Care can connect you with resources to explore insurance options.
Can Adult Family Homes Be a Cost-Effective Option for Senior Care?
Adult family homes provide care in a residential setting and typically more expensive then larger assisted living communities. Costs are typically covered through private pay or veterans’ benefits. Assured Care can help identify adult family homes that meet your care and financial needs.
What Happens If a Nursing Home Requires Private Payment?
If a nursing home requires private payment, you may need to cover costs through personal funds, long-term care insurance, or veterans’ benefits. Assured Care can assist in finding facilities that align with your financial resources and care needs.