Some Facts You Should Know
You are not alone in your need for help... recent estimates show that in the U.S., over 12 million people of all ages require some help with long-term care needs. And this number is increasing rapidly.
Getting help does not mean dependence... using services such as home care or even institutional care can be the best way to maintain your independence in the place of your choice.
Long-term care does not mean just nursing homes... there are many choices and options available now for people who may need services and supports.
Long-term care may not be "long term" anymore... People may only need help for short periods of time, or their needs may change over time.
Because of the number of choices and options, the decisions that you will make or are making about long-term care may be more complicated and confusing than they once were. Decision-making becomes more difficult if you do not have adequate information about what is available.
These frequently asked questions, are designed to help get you started with the planning and decision-making by presenting some basic information for meeting your own care needs or the needs of someone that you know.
When you finish going through the information you may indeed have more questions than when you began. Front Door is here to help. Please contact us at 1-866-243-5678 to talk confidentially with a professional, schedule a long term-care consultation in your home or at one of two greater Cleveland locations. Or you may choose to go to our Web site, www.FrontDoorResources.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What help is out there when the one who cared for you now needs your help?
Are you seeing that your loved ones need more help as they age? Have you thought about a nursing home or assisted living facility, but want them to be able to stay in their home, in the community for as long as possible? Are you starting to wear out because of the impact the senior care you're providing is having at work and with your family members? Do you worry about a loved one's safety?
Everyone shares similar concerns about help and care for our parents, grandparents and loved ones as they reach retirement age and beyond.
Making the decision to use outside help for caring for an adult or disabled loved one is difficult.
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Caregivers... who is a caregiver?
Anyone providing help for an older adult or adult with a disability is a caregiver.
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What is caregiving?
Caregiving may take place in your own home, at the home of your loved one or across the country. Lending help doesn't always mean you are in the same city or state. Duties vary from regular phone check-in to driving and shopping assistance, financial support or 24-hour hands on care and support.
Often the caregiving experience begins slowly over time but it can also start suddenly after an illness or accident. It is a role in life many people never expect. Caregiving is a choice. Caring for another person is not for everyone. Every situation is unique. Each situation must be considered individually as to whether or not the physical ability to be a caregiver can be met. Asking yourself is it possible to maintain current job responsibilities, finances, and other responsibilities such as family while adding the caregiver role?
Critical to being a successful caregiver is the ability to take care of yourself. Having time away to meet your personal needs for healthcare, interests and socialization is very important. This may include asking for help.
Being a caregiver may be one of the most important roles you will undertake in your lifetime. Typically, it is neither an easy role nor one for which most of us are prepared. By contacting the Front Door you will be put in contact with available community services and supports. The consult is confidential.
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What is a comprehensive in-home assessment?
A visit in your home by a professional is made to determine what kind of help is needed, where service can be delivered, when it is needed, how much help is needed and for how long. Questions about your physical health, emotional and mental health, your family support system, your living situation, your ability to do things for yourself are addressed, as well as the kinds of things you need help with are assessed. An individualized plan is developed to map out how each of the needs identified will be taken care of, by whom: family or formal help, where: in-home or elsewhere and how to pay for these services and supports.
Many community resources exist. Some are available through publicly funded programs and services and others may be covered by insurance or privately paid.
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What is in-home care?
Help delivered in your home to maintain independence, promote health and safety. Many older adults choose to stay in their own homes even when they require some help. Most do not need 24-hour care and supervision, but do need help with activities that are part of living at home. There are a wide variety of services. All services are not necessarily available in every community.
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Who pays for home and community-based care or services?
Some services are paid for through government programs, some are subsidized by government. Others are made available by local non-profit organizations in whole or part and most services can be purchased privately. Key to obtaining the right service for the right price is by asking more questions and having a professional with geriatric/gerontological experience help you.
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When looking for help what should I ask?
- How long has an agency been serving the community?
- Does the agency have information explaining its services, fees, and eligibility requirements?
- How does the provider select and train its employees?
- Who will the provider consult with: physicians and family members?
- Are the services to be delivered documented, detailing specific tasks to be accomplished by each caregiver?
- Does the consumer and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and is the plan updated as changes occur?
- Will the provider take time to teach family members about the care given to the patient?
- Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? (If so, how often do these individuals make visits?)
- Who can the consumer and his or her family members contact with questions or complaints?
- How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?
- Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?
- What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies?
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What is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is one long-term care option that offers an alternative to nursing facility placement; it bridges the gap between independent living and nursing home care. Assisted living typically offers assistance with the basic self care activities such as bathing, toileting, meals and laundry to name a few. It ensures residents have access to staff 24 hours a day. In Ohio, assisted living communities are licensed by the Ohio Department of Health as residential care facilities.
Payment for Assisted Living can be either private pay or for individuals who are eligible, through the state paid Medicaid Waiver Program. The program is a statewide, Medicaid-funded program that allows eligible individuals age 21 and older to reside in and receive services from a licensed residential care facility. A care manager works with the consumer and the facility to develop and maintain a care plan. For more detailed information about the Waiver Program and a free long-term care consultation contact the Front Door at 1-866-243-5678.
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How Can A Long-Term Care Ombudsman Help?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman handles complaints about long-term care and provides help in selecting nursing homes, assisted living, and adult care facilities in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. Call (216) 696-2719 or (800) 365-3112 regarding all your concerns for resident's rights.
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