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FIRST STEPS FOR ACCESSING
LONG-TERM CARE AT HOME
These
organizations and tips can get you started in the search to
find long-term care services so you or a loved one can remain
independent and at home. Identifying the right package of
services will take many phone calls. The resources below are
not exhaustive, however this card should enable you to begin
your search.
"WHO DO I CALL?"
Eldercare Locator
A free
national telephone service that directs an individual to local
agencies in the community. When calling, have available the
address, zip code and county or parish of the person requiring
assistance.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Your
local AAA is one of the first resources to contact when help
is needed. Services may include meal programs, transportation,
personal care assistance, adult day services, legal
assistance, caregiver support groups and respite care. The AAA
can also tell you where to apply locally for Medicaid. Look in
the city or county government sections of the telephone book
under "Aging" or "Social/Senior Services," or call the
Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 to find the local agency.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This
agency provides general information about Medicare and
Medicaid. Additionally, call the county social service agency
for Medicaid enrollment and eligibility information or your
local AAA.
National Council on Aging Benefits Checkup
This
website enables you to check program eligibility and find
programs for seniors that may pay some costs of prescription
drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or
services.
National Association for Home Care
Provides consumer information to assist families in finding
services and care that enable loved ones to receive health
care, hospice and social services in their own homes.
The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and
Home Modification
In
order for a person to remain at home some home modifications
may need to be made. This website offers suggestions.
Family
Caregiving
The
organizations below provide resources to help family
caregivers cope with the demands and stress of caregiving:
National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
National Alliance for Caregiving
"WHAT FIRST STEPS CAN I
TAKE?"
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Have
a meeting with everyone involved in the support and care of
your loved one. Be sure to listen to the wishes of the
person needing assistance.
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Assess specific potential assistance and support available
from family, friends, neighbors and individuals who live or
work closely to the care recipient.
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Collect phone numbers of the care recipient's friends in the
area where the care recipient lives in order to increase the
communication within the support network. These numbers are
also useful in emergency situations.
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Learn
about any health conditions that the care recipient may be
facing. Asking the primary care physician a few pointed
questions will provide this information.
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What is the diagnosis of my loved one?
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Is
his/her condition treatable?
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How
will the condition progress?
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What can I do to help now?
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Is
treatment covered under my loved one's insurance?
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Where can I find more information about my loved one's
condition?
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Consider what home modifications may be necessary or useful
such as grab bars, ramps, furniture, floor coverings and
lighting.
"WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW
WHEN I MAKE THAT FIRST CALL?"
Gather
the following information:
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Date
of birth
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State
and zip code where the care recipient will be receiving care
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Type
of residence (house, apartment, or mobile home)
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Veteran status
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Employment history (specifically, whether or not the person
ever worked for the state, local, county, or federal
government or the railroads)
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Current income and assets from all sources for everyone in
the household
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Estimate of current monthly expenses.
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