Adult Day Care an Answer for Older Americans?

We know what childcare is. Did you know there is an adult version? Adult Day Care has become a big part of helping older Americans and their families. As more people require long-term care services and supports, families have had to step in and become caregivers, as many boomers failed to plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging. 

As more spouses or adult children try to be a caregiver, they become overburdened quickly. Older spouses, often women, are not physically able to be caregivers. Being a caregiver also impacts their own independence and quality of life. Adult children have their own careers and family responsibilities. These are very hard to juggle.

Just Drop Off Mom Or Dad in the Morning

Here comes adult daycare. You drop off Mom or Dad in the morning and pick them up in the evening. The use of adult daycare centers reduces the burdens of caregiving as the person requires less attention at night when sleeping then they may need during the daytime. This also allows a person to stay in their own home longer and avoid a facility on a full-time basis. 

Programs typically provide transport, meals, supervised activities, and more. In some cases, they can provide help for those with significant care needs like dementia, incontinence, diabetes, or mobility issues. 

The official name for this type of facility is “adult day health centers (ADHCs).” Many also offer health monitoring, physical therapy, added security to prevent wandering, toileting assistance, and even bathing. Most ADHCs have a nurse on call or on the premises to administer medications as well.

These ADHCs are very affordable when compared to other costs of long-term care services. 

Long-Term Care Insurance Provide Comprehensive Benefits Including ADHCs

If a person owns a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, they should have benefits for this type of care. Most policies will pay benefits for adult daycare.

Advance planning will make getting older easier for you and your family. Long-Term Care Insurance pays for all types of long-term care services, including care at home, ADHC, assisted living facilities, memory care, and the traditional nursing home. With an advance plan, you have the resources to not only protect your savings but help your family deal with your situation. Caregiving and even managing your future care is hard. Paid care is not cheap and not only drains assets but adversely impacts the lifestyle of the other spouse.

Prepare Your Family and Finances Well Before You Retire

It is best to start your planning before you retire so you can take advantage of low premiums, more options, and preferred health discounts. Crisis management is never ideal. An advance plan will give your family the gift of time ... time to be family. Start by finding the cost of care in your area both today and in the future by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.

Many states offer special policies called “Partnership” certified Long-Term Care Insurance plans. Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance is a partnership between the government, an insurance company, and the consumer giving the policyholder “dollar-for-dollar” asset protection if you own one of these qualified plans. These policies include inflation benefits and other features and are very affordable.

Long-Term Care Insurance is underwritten based on your health history. This includes the medications you are taking and other factors. Every  insurance company has different rules. You will have to answer questions to get an accurate quote.

Use a LTC Specialist to Get Accurate Quotes and Recommendations

Most insurance agents and financial advisors have little or no experience in these products, their uses, the underwriting criteria, policy design, and claims. To make it much easier and more simple, use a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. They are essential to make sure you do not spend too much money or over-insure. 

Find a trusted and qualified specialist to assist you and your family.

The fact is we are all getting older. With aging comes the need for help with normal living activities or even supervision due to memory problems like dementia or even Alzheimer’s. Enjoy the peace-of-mind knowing your family will not be forced into crisis management.