As you grow old, it is important to make plans for any long-term care that you may need in the future. Individuals who require frequent medical attention because of physical or mental illnesses should know they do not have to handle it alone. There are various options for long-term care that can be used to meet your unique needs or the needs of your family. If you or a family member are considering long-term care, you should consult with an experienced Pennsylvania long-term care planning attorney today.
At Herr Potts and Potts, our legal team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the legal representation that you deserve. We will work with you to determine your long-term care goals and how you can achieve them. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us at (610) 254-0114 or reach us online.
Types of Long-Term Care Services
The State of Pennsylvania provides residents with several choices when considering long-term care. Some individuals may need around-the-clock care while others may need some extra assistance in their homes. Whatever your situation may be, there is likely a long-term care resolution for you.
Nursing homes are one type of long-term care service that provides 24-hour care for the facility’s residents. Nursing homes are designed to care for individuals who cannot live at home with supportive services but also do not need the level of care provided in a hospital. However, nursing homes are usually equipped to handle various medical needs like IV lines or ventilators.
Assisted-living residences are another type of long-term care service available to Pennsylvania residents. Assisted-living residences differ from nursing homes because the residents are placed in their own living quarters which allows for more independence. Residents are assisted with various services like meals, laundry, housekeeping, and transportation. Assisted-living residences also help schedule other healthcare services like physical therapy or behavioral health services.
Personal care homes primarily provide housing and meals for the elderly and physically/mentally infirm individuals. They differ from nursing homes because the residents usually need assistance in their everyday lives but do not require around-the-clock care. Personal care homes often seek to tailor their care to the needs of their residents.
As mentioned above, in-house care is also an option for individuals who do not wish to live in a care facility. Many home care agencies will tailor their services to the needs of their clients. This means that you can ask for help with various issues like medication, transportation, bathing, or even request that the agency assist other family members with your care. Home health care agencies also exist. However, the sole purpose of these agencies is to provide the client with necessary medical care within the comfort of the client’s home.
Hospice is a medical service provided to individuals who are facing a terminal illness or some other unfortunate circumstance that has given them a limited amount of time to live. The advantage of hospice care is that it can be provided in a nursing home or the patient’s home.
Choosing a long-term care plan that can manage your unique needs is important. If you wish to know more about long-term care services in Pennsylvania, you should speak with an experienced elder law lawyer.
Affording Long-Term Care Services
If you are worried about the costs associated with long-term care, there are options available to alleviate that burden. For example, Medicaid can assist you when paying for long-term care. However, an individual must meet certain requirements to be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
One requirement is passing a medical examination used to determine whether you truly need long-term care either in a nursing home or in your home. Additional requirements to be eligible for Medicaid include:
- Being 65 or older or being disabled
- Being a citizen of the United States
- Being a resident of Pennsylvania
If you are married and you and your spouse seek Medicaid benefits, the rules for eligibility are not as clear. Therefore, you should consult with an experienced long-term care planning lawyer.
Long-term care insurance is also an option for those who desire more freedom when choosing a long-term care service. When applying for long-term care insurance, there are various factors that could affect the price of your insurance policy premium. For example, your age, health, and the length of your policy will be considered when choosing a policy.
Chester County Long-Term Care Planning Lawyers
If you or a family member needs long-term care, you should speak with an experienced Chester County long-term care planning lawyer today. Herr Potts and Potts has provided elder law services to clients in southeast Pennsylvania for over 80 years and is prepared to provide you with the legal representation you can trust. To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us at (610) 254-0114 or reach us online.