ElderAuthority.com

Long-Term Care: Statistics & Tax Deduction 2012

Long-Term Care Statistics
Most persons in need of long-term care are elderly.

13 million people were using long-term care services in 2000, when the older population was about 35 million.
The older population in 2030 is projected to be twice as large, growing  to 71.5 million.
Between 2000 and 2040 the number of older adults with disabilities will more than double.
By 2050, the number using paid long-term care services in any setting will reach 27 million.
Of the older population… More

Choosing In Home Care

Aging in Place
Eighty-three percent of Americans want to age at home. If the elder becomes frail and requires part-time or full-time support,  In Home Care is one option.
There are a number of factors that should be weighed. The functional status of the person being cared for is the most important factor.  Can care be provided in the home that will allow the elder to live with a reasonably good quality of life?  You should begin by considering the home environment, caregiver… More

Pay Attention to Filial Support Laws

Twenty-nine states have “filial support laws.”  These laws can be used to make adult children responsible for their parents’ unpaid bills.  While few states use the law, this is starting to change.  As states and long-term care providers within those states find it more and more difficult to wring money from stressed Medicaid programs, they are turning to the law as a way to enforce bill payment.
Pennsylvania Becomes Aggressive
In Pennsylvania, adult… More

Long Term Care Statistics for 2011

John Hancock Financial (John Hancock) recently announced the results of its 2011 cost of care study, which found that long-term care (LTC) costs have continued to increase.  The study surveyed more than 11,000 providers, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health care agencies, in key cities across the country.
Findings:

Annual cost of care in the U.S. is $85,775 for a private room in a nursing home
Annual cost of care in the U.S. is $75,555 for a semi-private… More

Medicaid 5-Year Look-Back (options), Part 3

Two previous posts covered the Medicaid Five-Year Look-Back Period as a high-level description and with the details everyone needs to know.  This post covers some of the options that may provide an alternative.
PERMITTED TRANSFERS

While most transfers are penalized with a period of Medicaid ineligibility of up to five years, certain transfers are exempt from this penalty. Even after entering a nursing home, you may transfer any asset to the following individuals without… More

Medicaid 5-Year Look-Back (details), Part 2

WHAT IS THE 5-YEAR LOOK-BACK?
In the past a senior citizen with assets would have been able to give financial gifts to his children and grandchildren and not worry about those gifts disqualifying him for Medicaid.  Over the years, the government took steps to prevent those requiring nursing home services from giving away their assets in order to qualify for services designated for the poor.  One of those steps was a “look-back” period–a kind of audit that… More

Medicaid 5-Year Look-Back (overview), Part 1

DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005
Both the federal government and state governments have made changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements and restrictions over the years.  The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) significantly changed the rules governing the treatment of asset transfers and homes of nursing home residents by creating a five-year “look-back period.” Any transfers or gifts of any kind made by the Medicaid applicant during the preceding… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: NURSING HOMES

If you or a family member requires 24/7 nursing care (also known as skilled nursing), moving to a nursing home is one choice, but not the only one.  The days of a parent making a child promise, “…to never put me in a nursing home” should be over.  A nursing home may be where you find the best care, quality of life, and safety.  Keep your mind open as you do your research.
NURSING HOMES
A nursing home provides constant nursing care for seniors with significant… More

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS: ASSISTED LIVING (and variations)

MID-LEVEL CARE, COST, INDEPENDENCE
There is no national definition of assisted living.  States regulate and license assisted living facilities, but each state uses its own definition.  In some states assisted living is a marketing term for both licensed and unlicensed senior living communities.
Assisted living is a choice for people who can no longer manage without some help, but they are not ready for the 24/7 care of a nursing home.   If you need help with any of the Activities… More

GAY (GLBT) ASSISTED LIVING

GLBT SENIORS
Like most seniors, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) senior citizens are concerned about living situations when they are no longer able to care for themselves.  But the GLBT community has additional worries not shared by their straight friends and family.
All are aware of the potential for discrimination, verbal or even physical abuse their lifestyle choices may lead to when transitioning into assisted living as they age.  Their options may… More