Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
I am finding a hot topic with many of my friends is, “What is the next step as we age?” Some in SaddleBrooke have built casitas with the idea of having someone live on the property to care for them in the future. Others will use their savings and equity from their homes to pay the high cost for future independent living options, hoping they won’t run out of money. The last few years I have seen the trend of people living on cruise ships, finding it is a lot less expensive than independent living facilities.
I am not just referring to independent living facilities in this article. There comes a time when a home is too much to manage, and these places provide meals and lots of social activities for people who are self-sufficient.
The following information refers to long-term care facilities in the U.S.:
Medicare typically does not cover long-term care, which is also known as “custodial care” or “long-term services and support.” This type of care includes assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. If you need long-term care, you usually must pay for it yourself unless you have Medicaid or private long-term care insurance.
Monthly Median Costs: USA – National (2023)
In-Home Care:
Homemaker Services $5,720
Home Health Aide $6,292
Community and Assisted Living:
Adult Day Health Care $2,058
Assisted Living Facility $5,350
Nursing Home Facility:
Semi-Private Room $8,669
Private Room $9,733
The Netherlands has incorporated an innovative district nursing and homecare model that is exciting global interest. Buurtzorg, which translates as “neighborhood care,” is seen by its many enthusiasts as a key part of the solution to challenges facing healthcare systems across the world. Nurses act as a “health coach” for the individual and their family, emphasizing preventive health measures but also delivering necessary care themselves or calling on others to do so. The golden rule is that nurses must spend 61% of their time in direct contact with the people they support.
Making decisions about long-term care is a lot to think about. No one knows what the future holds. When making major changes, always consider having an advocate.
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained non-denominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is “inclusive.” Email:[email protected].