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Eldercare Terms 101


If you or a loved one is thinking about moving into some type of eldercare facility, this can be a confusing world to navigate. There are all sorts of commonly used phrases and terms to describe different types of facilities and benefits that you need to learn about before you dive into the sea of eldercare. Here is some helpful information that can make it all a bit easier.

You will find several types of care which actually has half a dozen different names connected with them at least. Let us cite the assisted living as an example. You might hear people calling it sheltered housing, domiciliary care, adult living facility or perhaps community based retirement facility. Communities such as these basically have many private apartments for residents. The monthly fees paid include full meal services, usually a pool and exercise facility, an assortment of activities and ready help for residents' daily chores. Just don't expect medical care from here as well as accommodation of any form of government assistance to suffice for the fees.

Board and care facilities are another option, and these are smaller with only about five or six people and sometimes less. They are located in private residential homes and meals, housekeeping, laundry and daily help are included in the rates, but residents have a private bedroom rather than an apartment. These also are called boarding homes, residential care homes or group homes. Sometimes benefits such as Supplemental Security Income can be used to pay for a portion or all of the fees. Sometimes a Medicaid 1915-c waiver also can be used to cover the costs of living in these facilities.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides extra income for seniors with very low incomes. This income can help pay for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Generally, this program is designated for the elderly or those who are disabled or blind. SSI might be used to pay for some board and care facility costs, but typically not nursing homes.

Another government program serving as a helpful resource for seniors is the Medicaid. This social health care program acts as health insurance and seniors receiving SSI benefits often automatically get enrolled here. Though sounding similar, you should note that Medicaid is different from Medicare. Even when Medicare provides insurance too, this is a trust fund wherein everyone who works pays for. This becomes similar in theory as with Social Security. Paychecks get deducted with a certain amount in order to cover for Medicare costs in the future. As for Medicaid and SSI, they are collected from the general tax dollars for the purpose of helping the poor, disabled, aged and unable to work given certain reasons.

Residents in skilled nursing facilities can often pay using Medicaid. Older adults unable to live on their own and can't afford the board and care, in-home care or assisted living can have this as an option. As for the Medicare, it can be used to suffice medical expenses in nursing homes but not the cost of living there without the need for medical care. Such facilities are also called nursing homes. Those with smaller incomes can also opt for Veteran's care homes, open for veterans and spouses, obviously. You can choose from independent living, assisted living and full skilled nursing care for the type of care you wish to avail of.

When selecting an option for eldercare anywhere in Orange or San Diego counties, consider contacting Care Placement. They can help you figure out what type of care is best suited to your needs and what fits best into your budget. From there, they can provide a list of suitable facilities for you to visit and compare, helping you make the best possible decision for care services.

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