Long-Term Care Information

Discover Long Term Care Options with Confidence

When it comes to long term care, many people are unsure of what is available, what they might need, or how to prepare. At Soldevila & Associates, we believe that planning for the future should feel empowering, not overwhelming. That is why we have outlined the most common care options and support services in simple, accessible terms so you can make informed decisions with confidence and care.

Types of Long Term Care Services

Home Care
Home care offers the comfort of remaining in familiar surroundings, with assistance provided by family, friends, volunteers, or paid professionals. Support can include anything from help with daily tasks to skilled nursing care. Hospice care, which supports individuals with terminal illness, can also be provided at home with warmth and dignity.

Community Services
Local programs such as adult day care, senior centers, meal delivery, and transportation services can help individuals remain at home while providing important support to caregivers. For example, adult day care programs offer health and social services during the day, supporting those with conditions like Alzheimer’s while giving caregivers time to rest and recharge.

Supportive Housing
These programs offer affordable living for older adults with low to moderate incomes. Developed by federal, state, or local housing agencies, many supportive housing facilities also assist with meals, housekeeping, and daily tasks, allowing residents to live independently in their own apartments.

Assisted Living
This option provides round the clock support in a comfortable, home like environment. Services often include help with bathing, dressing, meals, medication, and transportation. Social and recreational activities are also part of daily life, offering both care and connection.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs provide a full spectrum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, all within one community. This model allows residents to remain in one place while receiving the appropriate level of support as their needs change.

Nursing Homes
For individuals who require full time medical supervision and daily support, nursing homes offer skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and personal assistance. Many also provide short term or respite care, giving families time to rest or manage transitions after hospital stays.

Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
These homes provide long term care in supportive settings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services are designed to promote independence while offering consistent medical and behavioral support.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are exploring long term care for yourself or a loved one, the right guidance can make all the difference. Here are trusted resources to help you get started:

You can also turn to:
.Hospital discharge planners
 Social workers or care managers
 Your doctor or health care providers
 Local nursing facilities
 Volunteer or faith based groups
 Family and friends who have gone through the process

 

What Kind of Care Do I Need?

The first question to consider is: What kind of services do I or my loved one need?
Care needs can change over time, so it is important to start with an honest look at current daily routines, health conditions, mobility, and support systems. The checklist below can be of assistance in guiding your thinking and conversations with care professionals.

Help With Daily Activities

          [_] Shopping

          [_] Preparing meals

          [_] Eating

          [_] Laundry and other housework

          [_] Home maintenance

          [_] Paying bills and other money matters

          [_] Bathing

          [_] Dressing

          [_] Grooming

          [_] Going to the bathroom

          [_] Remembering to take medicines

          [_] Walking

          [_] Other _______________________

          [_] Other _______________________

Health Care Needs (as recommended by a doctor or other health care provider)

          [_] Physical therapy

          [_] Speech therapy

          [_] Occupational therapy

          [_] Rehabilitation

          [_] Medical nutritional therapy

          [_] Oxygen

          [_] Care for pressure ulcers or other wounds

          [_] Alzheimer's disease care

          [_] Health monitoring (for diabetes, for example)

          [_] Pain management

          [_] Nursing care services

          [_] Other medical services provided by a doctor or other clinician

          [_] Other _______________________

How Will I Pay for These Services?

Long term care can be costly, and understanding your payment options is a key part of planning. Below are several common resources:

Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. While it does not usually cover long term daily care, it may pay for short term skilled care after a hospital stay or limited home health care under specific conditions.

Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that may help cover long term care for people with low income. It often pays for nursing home care, and in some states, also supports home and community based services. Eligibility and coverage details vary by state.

Private Insurance
If you already have long term care insurance, review your policy to see what services are covered. If you are considering purchasing a policy, start while you are still relatively young and healthy. Plans may cover care in your home, adult day care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Learn more about long term care insurance from AHIP.

Personal Resources
Many people begin by paying for care out of pocket using savings or life insurance benefits. Over time, if those resources run out, individuals may qualify for Medicaid.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
These programs offer free guidance on Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental insurance, and long term care. SHIP counselors can also help with billing questions and insurance claims. To find your state’s SHIP office, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Relative Costs Comparison
Nursing Help with daily activities Help with health care needs Relative Costs
Home Care
X
X
 Low to High
Community Services
X
   Low to Medium
Supportive Housing Programs
X
   Low to Medium
Assisted Living
X
   Medium to High
CCRC*
X
X
 High
Nursing Homes
X
X
 High
Continuing Care Retirement Communities

How Can I Choose the Best Care and Facilities?

Choosing high quality care is about more than just services, it is about peace of mind. Here are some tips for selecting providers you can trust.

Home Care

• Check whether the agency is licensed by your state.
• Confirm the agency is certified by Medicare. Certified agencies meet strict federal standards.
• Request the agency’s most recent survey report from your state’s Home Health Hotline or Medicare.
• Look for accreditation from trusted organizations like the Joint Commission or Community Health Accreditation Partner.
• Contact your state’s consumer affairs office to learn about any complaints or violations.
• Always check references, ask about caregiver training, and understand how supervision and quality are managed.

Nursing Homes

• Ask to review the facility’s most recent inspection report, which must be available onsite.
• Speak with the administrator about any past issues and how they were resolved.
• Contact your local Long Term Care Ombudsman to get insight on recent complaints or survey findings.
• Use Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare Tool to review ratings, services, and compliance records.
• Ask whether the facility is accredited by a national organization like the Joint Commission.

Let Us Help You Take the Next Step

Planning long term care is not just about services  it is about protecting the well being of the people you love. At Soldevila & Associates, we are here to walk with you through every decision, answer your questions, and help you explore care options that truly fit.

If you are ready to start the conversation, contact us today. Our team is here to listen, guide, and support you however we can.