Healthcare and long-term care are not the same thing.
This distinction is important.
If I eventually need help taking care of myself, what would I want that experience to look like — and how could it affect the people around me?
Healthcare and Long-Term Care Are Not the Same Thing
Healthcare generally focuses on diagnosing, treating and managing medical conditions.
Long-term care often involves ongoing assistance with activities of daily living.
Those can include things such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring or mobility
- Other ongoing personal assistance
Why Families Should Understand This
A person may eventually need care:
- At home
- Through community services
- In assisted living
- In a nursing facility
- Through help provided by family members
Each situation can affect more than the person receiving care. It can affect spouses, children, careers, schedules, retirement assets and family relationships.
A Common Assumption Worth Checking
Don't simply assume: "Medicare will take care of it."
Understand what Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and your own resources may or may not cover under your particular circumstances.
Questions Worth Asking
- If I needed help with daily activities, where would I want to receive care?
- Who would provide it?
- Would a family member need to stop working or reduce hours?
- What resources would pay for it?
- What coverage do I already have?
- Have I actually reviewed what that coverage includes?
GEMACE Perspective
Long-term care planning isn't simply about nursing homes.
It is about asking: If I eventually need help taking care of myself, what would I want that experience to look like — and how could it affect the people around me?
You don't have to become an insurance expert. But you should understand enough to ask better questions, recognize what matters and make more informed decisions.
How Does This Fit Into Your Life?
GEMACE LifeMap™ begins with your family, responsibilities, goals, concerns and what you're already counting on before discussing possible solutions.
You don't have to become an insurance expert. But you should understand enough to ask better questions, recognize what matters and make more informed decisions.
Educational Information
This material is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended as individualized insurance, financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Individual circumstances vary. Insurance products, features, availability, eligibility, costs and policy provisions vary by insurer, product and applicant. Review actual policy documents and consult appropriately licensed or qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.