How COVID Has Changed the Way We Look at Senior Care

How COVID Has Changed the Way We Look at Senior Care

There is little question that seniors are the most at-risk group when it comes to the coronavirus. And the pandemic has made us rethink the way we approach long-term care decisions for those we love the most. If you are getting ready to begin your journey caring for an aging loved one, National Recruiters shares a few things to keep in mind.

 

Medicare does not cover assisted living.

 

An unfortunate number of retirees believe that their Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance covers custodial assisted living. It does not. While there are a few insurance policies specifically geared toward long-term care, the truth is that most seniors need to come out of pocket for independent or assisted living. Modern Retirement does note, however, that Original Medicare’s Part A does provide limited coverage for skilled nursing, hospice, home health, and inpatient hospital care.

 

You may need Power of Attorney to sell your home.

 

Power of attorney is a legal agreement between you and your loved one. If it becomes necessary to sell their home to pay for the cost of assisted living and they are not able to handle the transaction on their own, you will likely need to have already established general or special power of attorney

 

You will need to tour assisted living communities. 

 

In the early stages of the pandemic, most care communities eliminated tours and even move-ins to help reduce the spread of COVID. Now, however, these communities have loosened restrictions, albeit safely, in order for families and potential residents to visit. Talk to your loved one about what would be ideal in a residential community, and then read reviews and find detailed facility information to winnow down assisted living and nursing home options in the San Francisco area. 

 

If your senior is averse to visiting in person, take the opportunity to tour these places yourself. You can take pictures, videos and even talk to residents, as well as get a close-up view of how they handle safety protocols. 

 

Residential care is not your only option.

 

If your loved one is still able to live on their own but needs assistance, you may be able to prolong their relocation by bringing in a helping hand. You can hire in-home care support services for personal care and support to handle tasks such as meal prep, grooming, housekeeping and laundry, and assistance with eating. 

 

Information is your greatest ally.

 

The coronavirus still remains a bit of a mystery, but the more we learn about it, the more opportunities you have to help your loved ones remain safe. Keep up with current CDC recommendations, and if you do not currently live with your senior, make sure they are taking precautions. 

 

Caring for a senior is a challenge, and the added stress of the pandemic and the disease that targets the elderly has made it even more so. But viruses do not stop the hand of time, and we still have to care for those we love the most. The way we approach our elder care decisions may have changed, but our goal of keeping them safe and healthy has not.

 

Image via Pexels

 

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