Ohio Department of Aging
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October 2007
Director's Notebook
Help Them Plan
October is Long-term Care Planning Month.
Professionals in the aging network know that planning ahead for long-term care is vital. Unfortunately, consumer surveys show that many people don't realize that health insurance, Medicare and disability coverage do not pay for most long-term care services.
Most people don't consider the types of care they would prefer or how they are going to pay for it until they need it - and by then it is often too late to plan effectively. At that point, their options are limited by the immediate need for services, lack of information and insufficient resources to pay for preferred services.
As professionals, we need to help families talk about this, because statistics show that most families will have to face long-term care at some point. About 60 percent of people over age 65 require some services - and the likelihood of needing care increases as we age. Even if you reach age 65 or older in relatively good health, a sudden illness or injury can catch you by surprise.
It can be difficult for families to plan for long-term care services. Having critical conversations with loved ones about their end-of-life wishes can be difficult, too. The aging network can, and does, offer families guidance and information.
Free long-term care consultations offered by Ohio's twelve Area Agencies on Aging help families understand the services available, discuss eligibility requirements and financial resources required and help an elder determine his or her needs and wishes.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) offers a free toolkit titled "Own Your Future" which helps consumers create a roadmap for the future. A booklet and audio CD guides consumers through several important planning stages, including assessing finances, understanding long-term care insurance, developing clear legal directions, getting someone to help, finding resources in the community and evaluating living situations. The kit can be downloaded or ordered from the National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Information (www.longtermcare.gov) or by calling 1-866-PLAN-LTC.
Long-term care planning is never easy, emotionally or financially. But with the proper tools, information and support, we can help families face these questions and make plans early enough to ensure their loved one's wishes are met.
Ohio Department of Aging