We know talking about money isn’t easy, and sometimes feels a little taboo. However, when exploring options for senior care, the cost is understandably one of the top concerns for families. Many fear that receiving quality senior care for themselves or a loved one is financially out of the question.
The cost of senior living varies by company, type of care, and services provided. With so many options and figures to consider, we understand shopping for senior care can be overwhelming and frustrating. The economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of stress to the process.
Our team at Edgewood Healthcare wants to assure you that many options are available. We sat down with Ron Whetter, Executive Vice President of Finance for CaringEdge at Edgewood Healthcare, to learn about why calculating the cost of senior care can be stressful and how home health may be a good solution for seniors to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve during their golden years.
Calculating Costs of Senior Care
Paying for senior care can feel overwhelming for many older adults and their families. It often involves lots of planning, paperwork, and uncomfortable (but crucial) conversations with loved ones. The root of these concerns is mainly due to “the complexity of it all,” Whetter says.
“When families look at the cost for many senior living companies, it’s not always clear what they are going to be responsible for or what services are included,” he says. “Costs constantly change and depend on what kind of care a senior receives.”
In addition to private pay, standard payment options for senior care include Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and aid for veterans, among others. Each program has its own set of qualifications, and coverage varies by state.However, Whetter wants to assure families that they have many payment options to choose from, and that Edgewood Healthcare can be a resource for them as they navigate these complex systems. He says we can also help clear up any misconceptions people have about paying for senior living.
For example, many think living in an independent, assisted, or memory care community costs more than nursing homes, but this is not always the case. Many nursing homes follow an à la carte model that makes prices appear low, but costs quickly stack up – especially for skilled nursing care.
At Edgewood Healthcare, we have set price levels on every community page, which are determined by the amount of daily care a senior may need to thrive. We also offer an in-home health network to all residents, which is included in our cost structure, making healthcare more convenient for our residents – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edgewood Healthcare officially launched our health network in January 2020, shortly before COVID-19 began spreading throughout the United States. At the time, our goal was to provide our residents access to quality care without leaving their homes to receive treatment for whatever twists and turns in their health journey.
Although it’s been a challenging year, the value of an in-home health network has only increased, as our residents and employees have been able to get tested regularly, maintain routine check-ups through Telehealth, receive prompt care for COVID-19 or other illnesses, and be prioritized for vaccination without worrying about hidden healthcare costs.
However, we understand that some seniors may not be emotionally or financially ready to move into a senior living community. Fortunately, Edgewood Healthcare offers home health services through CaringEdge, which can be a more cost-effective solution for seniors who qualify. Let’s dive into this service a little more.
Why Home Health May Be Best for You
Our home health service is an affordable option that brings our health practitioners right to your door – whether it’s a private residence or an apartment in one of our 64 Edgewood communities. One of the most common misconceptions about home health is that it is expensive, but cost is determined by the time and services provided. The best part, however, is that Medicare covers part of the cost of home health.
“Home health helps seniors maintain independence at home and relieves some of the responsibility for family members who normally care for their parents or grandparents,” Whetter says. “They have peace of mind that their senior loved one is cared for by trusted professionals.”Home health is different from home care, which involves services like grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Home health focuses on keeping you physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy during your senior years.
Here are some indicators that home health services may be right for you:Wherever you may be in your health journey, Edgewood Healthcare is here to help you find options – like home health – that give you good quality of life while staying within your budget.
“Seniors have worked hard all their lives,” Whether says. “They deserve to know which services they qualify for and to take advantage of them so they can keep dancing, playing softball, or doing other activities they enjoy once it is safe.”To learn more about our home health services or protocols during COVID-19, contact an Edgewood Healthcare community near you.
