California Long Term Care Information

What Is Long Term Care?

Long Term Care is basically care that is provided over a long period of time. It can range from help with simple activities, such as bathing and dressing in the familiar surroundings of your own home, to skilled care in a nursing facility.

Long Term Care can be one of the greatest health care expenses most Californians will face. Unfortunately, most don't know that these expenses are not covered by Medicare or traditional health insurance plans.

What is the cost for Long term Care?

The cost for Long Term Care can be an extreme financial burden for most people. With an average annual expense in excess of $40,000 for care in a California nursing facility, most people do not have the income or savings sufficient to pay the expenses associated with the cost of this care. Those with some reasonable amount of savings could (spend it down) and then qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. Alternatively, you could purchase a Long Term Care insurance policy.

Anyone could be at risk of one day needing some form of Long Term Care. In fact, half of people over age 65 are expected to require nursing home services during their lifetimes.

What Types of Long Term Care are there?

Home Care provides care in the comfort of your home, from simple assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), to skilled nursing and even hospice care.

Adult Day Care While a family member may be able to provide care, they may have to work during the day. This type of care allows the patient to attend a day facility so that the family member can work during the day and then resume caring for the patient at home in the evening.

Assisted Living, also referred to as residential care, these facilities are for those who need more constant and attentive care but are still somewhat independent. Assisted Living provides housing, meals and personal assistance.

Nursing Facility Skilled nursing care available 24 hours-a-day for those who require the highest degree of care.