If you or your loved one have a long term care insurance policy under which you’re thinking of initiating a claim, it’s paramount to first research the terms and conditions of the policy to ensure that one’s caregiving choices are all consistent with the policy requirements.
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services in their area. Online information can be found at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx or you can call 1-800-677-1116. In addition, a number of web sites can assist in your search for information:
- The National Association for Home Care and Hospice web site offers a Home Care/Hospice Agency locator, containing a database of home care and hospice agencies across the country. See https://agencylocator.nahc.org/
- The web site of LeadingAge (formerly the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) states that “LeadingAge offers a strong and distinct voice for our nonprofit members as we strive to be the trusted voice for aging in America. Working together, we lead in innovative practices that transform how we serve our aging population, cutting-edge initiatives to develop services that meet older adults’ needs, and preferences and advocacy to advance the interest of the aging consumer.” At https://www.leadingage.org/caregiving-resources you can find information designed to help you find the right kind of aging services, or, at https://www.leadingage.org/find-member you can search LeadingAge’s member database for homes and services for the aging in your area.
- Medicare.gov, the official U.S. government site for Medicare, hosts a number of resources, including a publication entitled “Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long Term Services & Supports” (https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/02174-Nursing-Home-Other-Long-Term-Services.pdf?). In addition, one may search for Skilled Nursing Facilities (i.e., nursing homes) at https://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html?. Medicare’s site includes their assessment of each facility’s quality ratings using a 5-star system.
Finally, many religious organizations own and/or operate residential care facilities. Your local clergy may be able to refer you to residential care facilities and other resources in your area.
