Community Services
One of the most useful forms of help that adult
children can provide for their parents is information about community
resources that are available to enhance their independence. Services like
home modification are available to help reduce the risk of accidents and
make daily household activities more comfortable to perform. Emergency
Response Systems not only summon emergency help quickly, but can also
increase the feeling of security within the home. Transportation services
may be available to assist older adults who need help getting to
appointments with their doctor. There are many community resources to help
older persons by providing information or a needed service. Find out about
these and other services available through your state, area agencies on
aging, and local aging services providers by contacting the Eldercare
Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or
www.eldercare.gov.
Health Insurance
Health care is a high-cost necessity, so it is crucial
to know what is available to meet your family member's needs, and what they
are eligible to receive. Most adults over age 65 are covered by Medicare,
the federal health insurance program that helps pay medical expenses for
older Americans and younger people with disabilities. But Medicare does not
cover all needs, and Supplemental Insurance (also called Medigap insurance)
might be necessary to cover additional health costs. Medicaid, on the other
hand, is the federal and state insurance program that helps pay the health
care costs of low-income individuals of any age. Long term care insurance is
available through the private market to assist individuals to cover the cost
of long term care services such as home health and nursing home care. These
policies are often expensive, however, premiums are usually lower if the
policies are purchased at a younger age. Having a long term care insurance
policy ensures that your loved one can make their own choices about what
long term care services they receive and where they receive them.
Ask…
- As your health status changes, are you prepared to meet your long
term health care needs?
- Do you have proper health insurance coverage (not too much or too
little)?
- Are you comfortably able to pay for prescription drugs and other
out-of-pocket health care costs?
- Who are your doctors and how can they be contacted?
- Where do you keep your insurance card, Medicare information, and
other important health care documents?
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