Home healthcare is more affordable than you think
When compared to the alternative options such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes, home healthcare proves to be one of the most economical care options for seniors.
The Average Cost of Long-Term Care
*Indicate approximate figures for the state of MA based on year-over-year increase shown Genworth's Cost of Care Trends & Insights.
As you can see, there are many care and housing options available to seniors who require additional support and attention. However, these options can be quite expensive when you start to do the math and think about how much the care would cost long-term.
Maximizing Your Resources Can Help You Afford Care
Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) are private, non-profit, state-designated agencies under contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide seniors (age 60 and older) and caregivers with access to a variety of programs and services.
Contact your local ASAP for more information and to see if you/your loved one can qualify for state funding and/or for a list of qualified home care providers.
Mystic Valley Elder Services | 781-324-7705
Serving Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winthrop
AgeSpan (formerly known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley & North Shore Elder Services) | 1-800-892-0890
Serving Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford and West Newbury.
Minuteman Senior Services | 781-272-7177
Serving Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxboro, Burlington, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn.
SeniorCare | 978-281-1750
Serving Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham.
Long-term care (LTC) insurance is different from traditional insurance because it is designed to cover your long-term care needs, support and services when the inevitable impact of aging or an acquired disability gets to you.
LTC insurance covers the cost of additional care and services needed that Medicare does not. Coverage can include custodial care and personal care which is critical when it comes to subsidizing costs for services such as geriatric case management and home care.
Policies vary. If you have a long-term care insurance policy, call your insurer to find out the benefit amount, how long the benefit will last, and if there is an elimination/wait period.
Our skilled nurses will complete a nursing assessment and develop a customized care plan specific to you/your loved one’s needs which will be required by your insurer. ABC will also provide other necessary documentation (such as proof of licensure and certification information) required by your insurance company in order to approve home care services needed.
If you are already a long-term care insurance policyholder, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the benefits that your plan offers!
You served our country, now it’s time for your military benefits to serve you!
As a veteran, you may be eligible to receive long-term care services and home healthcare through the VA if you are signed up for VA benefits and it is concluded that you need additional care to keep you safe and independent at home.
You may be surprised to learn that there are spousal benefits included with your VA benefits package as well!
To qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits, you or a spouse must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Be bedridden except for medical & therapy appointments and treatments
- Have severe visual impairment
- Reside in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity, including Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Require help with some activities of daily living (ADLs) such as, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom etc.
For more information, please contact your local Veterans Services Officer (VSO) or call the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387.
Understanding What Medicare Covers
One of the most common misconceptions of elderly care is that Medicare pays for services such as home healthcare. Before arranging care for you or your loved one, it is important to first understand exactly what costs are covered by Medicare so you can plan accordingly.
- Skilled nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical social work
- Durable medical equipment (a percentage of the cost)
- Personal care & occupational therapy services (if these services are needed in conjunction with skilled care)
- Long-term personal care/home health services
- 24/7 care
- Meal delivery
- Homemaking and companionship services
For those who qualify, there are programs such as Medicaid and other community-based waivers in every state that help people afford long-term home healthcare. Eligibility requirements differ in every state but income is a key driver. If you believe that you or your loved one may qualify for Medicaid, it is important that you research the qualifications or consult with a Certified Elder Law Attorney.