Long Term Care
According to the Federal Government, about 70% of people over age 65 will require some long term care services during their lives. And, contrary to what many people believe, Medicare and private health insurance programs do not pay for the majority of long-term care services.*
This kind of care is different from medical care, because it generally helps you to live now instead of improving or correcting medical problems. People often think of long-term care as strictly nursing home care. Long-term care services actually may include help with activities of daily living (bathing, continency, dressing, eating, toileting and transferring) home care, respite care, hospice care or adult day care. This care may be given in your own home, an adult day care facility, assisted living facility or hospice facility.
Medicare generally does not pay for personal care services when you aren’t also receiving Medicare approved skilled care services. Medicare has its own definition of skilled care. Contact us to learn more NC: 704-765-2284 0r SC: 803-802-7862 Refer to the booklet, Medicare & You.
Source: *www.longtercare.gov; as of Oct 16, 2014 **NAIC.org; Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, Rev 2019
The cost depends on the amount and type of care needed and where it happens. Below are some average annual costs for nursing home, an assisted living facility and home care. Long term care may cost more or less where you live.
According to the Federal Government, about 70% of people over age 65 will require some long term care services during their lives. And, contrary to what many people believe, Medicare and private health insurance programs do not pay for the majority of long-term care services.*
In 2018**, the national average cost of nursing home care was about $89,297 per year (for a semi-private room). This cost does not include items such as therapies and medications, which could greatly increase the cost. The Federal Government reports the cost of care for a private nursing home room is South Carolina is over $73,000 a year.*
In 2018**, assisted living facilities reported charging $4000 a month (for a one bedroom unit) on average, or $48,000 per year, including rent and most other fees. Residents may pay more for additional care.
In 2018*, the cost of basic home care averaged $22 per hour for a home health aide in the US. That’s $34,320 per year for a home health aide who visits six hours a day, five days a week. Skilled care from a nurse in your home is typically more expensive. Annual costs for home care depends on the number of days a week the caregiver visits, the type of care required and the length of each visit.
Source: *www.longtercare.gov; as of Oct 16, 2014 **NAIC.org; Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance, Rev 2019
