gruntzooki via Flickr

If you’ve just started looking for long-term care for yourself or a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to start. Everyone’s needs are different and the options in your area may vary widely. When I started my search for a place for my parents, I assumed that there would be very little difference in the services offered and that most of the differences would be in quality of the service and the price. What I learned was that there are dramatic differences in both the types of services offered and payment options.

As you start the process, it’s important to consider who may be able to help, be it a local agency, or someone you know that’s been through it before you. Remember, everyone’s situation is a little different and that’s why there are so many options. Here are some agencies who may have a state, or local office near you:

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) – Assists adults age 50 and older and their caregivers. General information and assistance for seniors and their caregivers, Medicare and Medicaid assistance, out-of-home care, senior transportation programs, and senior center locations are examples of services provided by AAAs. They can be reached at www.eldercare.gov, or 800-677-1116.

Aging and Disability resource Centers (ADRCs) – Promotes the integration of long-term care information and referral services, benefits and options counseling services, and access to publicly and privately financed services and benefits for those in need of long-term supports and their families. ADRCs assist people of all incomes and ages in 43 states. To find out if your area is served by an ADRC, visit www.adrc-tae.org.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) – CILs assist people with disabilities of all incomes and ages, and focus on consumer control. A state-by-state directory of CILs can be found by visiting www.ncil.org/directory.html.  Note: The National Independent Living Council would like you to know that, “the words ‘Independent Living’ have been appropriated by the nursing home industry. CILs are not residential facilities and are opposed to segregation and forced institutionalization of people with disabilities.”

State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Office – Has information about state programs that help pay health and nursing home costs, as well as services in the community, for people with low incomes and limited resources. Find the contact information for your state. Note: You may have to do some digging in the state sites to find the right department. See also How Does Your State Support the Aging Population?

Let us know if there are other agencies, or services, that may help.

]]> http://www.seniorhelpforum.com/2009/01/06/tips-on-finding-the-long-term-care-that-you-need/feed/ 0