Long -Term Care Awareness Month: Options for Seniors in New York
November is long-term care awareness month. It's a month designated for discussions on the best long-term care options for seniors. Seniors want to age gracefully in the comfort and safety of their homes. Therefore, there are a lot of decisions that seniors and their family members need to weigh.
Does your senior loved one have access to caregivers? Can their home be made safe?
Senior housing can offer certain benefits including a rich social life, nutritious meals, and housekeeping. Senior housing will help your loved one to create new friendships and take part in fun exercise programs. For a lot of senior adults however, there is no place like home and figuring out a way for your loved one to stay in the place they love is important.
Let's look at the types and options of long-term care for seniors living in New York.
Types of Long-Term Care Plans Available in New York
The state of New York offers three basic types of long-term care plans:
Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC)
MLTC plans provide services to people who are chronically ill or disabled and who wish to stay in their homes and communities. Enrollment in an MLTC plan is mandatory for people who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare.
Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
To be a Pace participant, you must be a 55-year-old and above recipient of Medicaid. Members then receive care from medical and care professionals who coordinate their independent care.
Personal Care Services Program (PCSP)
New York provides personal care assistance to Medicaid recipients with daily activities like housekeeping, bathing, and preparing meals. Then, your physician coordinates with the local social service district to appoint an agency fit to provide those services for you after assessing the level of care needed.
Long-Term Care Options for Seniors in New York
Varying housing options and levels of care offered in long-term care housing ensure every senior joins the perfect senior community according to their needs. Thus, here are a few long-term care options available:
1. Adult Homes
These are homes licensed and managed for momentary or long-term inhabitation by adults unfit to live individually. In fact, they provide housekeeping, supervision, and three meals daily.
2. Independent Living
Independent living apartments cater to seniors who can care for their personal needs and don't require medical supervision. These are seniors who love the company of other older adults and want to experience adventures together. However, independent living apartments are unlicensed and unregulated.
3. Assisted Living
These are programs for seniors who require assistance doing personal activities but don't need full-time supervision. An external agency then covers room, board, case management, and medical services. Further, the Assisted Living Program receives Medicaid for long-term care.
4. Family-Type Homes
Supervised by the Department of Social Services, the family-type homes provide long-term residential assistance and housekeeping for up to four adults unassociated with the operator.
5. Nursing Homes
These are homes that provide 24-hour care every day for those who are unable to live independently. The skilled medical staff, indeed, offers exceptional care to terminally ill seniors. Additionally, professionally trained staff help the residents with daily activities and provide housekeeping.
6. Enriched Housing
Similar to adult homes, enriched housing is licensed and regulated for adults unfit to live independently. However, enriched housing allows private housing units and one meal a day.
7. Lifecare Communities
Also referred to as continuing care communities, life care communities provide a range of facilities, including assisted living and nursing homes altogether. This enables seniors to move from one level of care to the next as necessary. It, indeed, makes the transition easy for seniors as the place is familiar to them.
Home Health Care
A Home Health Aide comes to the seniors home to help with activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, bathing and companionship. Home Health Care allows the senior to remain in the comfort of their home, within their familiar surroundings and still receive the care and assistance that they require.
Learn More About Long-Term Care Options for Seniors in New York
Elite Home Health Care is a home health care agency that provides home health aides and personal care aides. Contact us for more information on how to receive quality care in the comfort of your home.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain managemnet and internal medicine. She oversees allpatient services across Elite's departments.