Over many years experience
helping clients with long-term care planning, I have found my time
increasingly dominated by efforts on behalf of people whose
pre-existing health issues make placement problematic. Individuals
with chronic conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s
face daunting prospects with respect to long-term care needs.
A frequent topic of discussion
in support groups is the difficulties of obtaining coverage for
long-term care. One of my clients recently told me that two members
of her support group were declined coverage for long-term care
insurance. And most of the others in the group simply assumed they
would not be eligible. It is important that people recognize that a
diagnosis of MS or Parkinson’s does not automatically disqualify one
for LTC coverage.
Most of the misunderstanding
surrounds a few basic questions.
What is long-term care?
Unlike other types of medical
procedures and treatments, long-term care is not primarily intended
to cure a medical condition. It focuses, instead, on helping a
person cope with a reduced level of functioning over an extended
period of time – sometimes indefinitely.
Generally, an individual in such
circumstances needs assistance with what are called “activities of
daily living,” i.e., bathing, continence, dressing, feeding,
toileting, and transferring.
Is age a factor?
Anyone of any age can require
long-term care or be declined for LTC coverage. But on average, with
conditions like MS or Parkinson’s, the earlier the diagnosis, the
better the odds of being issued a policy since the likelihood of
needing long-term care is greatest in the Golden Years. In fact,
it’s estimated that some 42 percent of Americans who reach age 70
can expect to require some type of long-term care during the
remainder of their lives.
Is long-term care always
provided in a nursing home setting?
No. Years ago, “long-term care”
was virtually synonymous with “nursing home care.” However, today
most long-term care is actually provided in the patient’s own home –
either by family or friends (called “informal caregivers”) pressed
into duty by the circumstances, or by paid, health care
professionals who visit to provide the needed services.
Long-term care is also delivered
in other settings, including “assisted living” or community-based
facilities such as adult day care centers. Only the most intensive
care is still delivered in skilled nursing homes.
Printable Version
