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Medicare and Medicaid

The Rising Cost of Healthcare for Elderly Americans

Image provided by Pexels: “The Rising Cost of Healthcare for Elderly Americans: A Critical Issue for the US Healthcare System”Part 1. The United States healthcare system has long been a source of controversy and debate, with many arguing that it is not adequately equipped to handle the needs of the country’s elderly population. This issue has been brought into sharp focus in recent years, as the baby boomer generation has begun to retire and the population of older Americans has grown. One major concern with the current state of the healthcare system is its cost. The United States has the most expensive healthcare system in the world, with per-capita healthcare spending more than double that of many other developed countries. This high cost is often cited as a barrier to access for many older Americans, who may struggle to afford the necessary medical care. Another issue is the fragmented nature of the healthcare system. Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a nationalized healthcare system. Instead, healthcare is provided by a patchwork of private insurance companies, public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and individual healthcare providers. This can make it difficult for older Americans to navigate the system and access the care they need. The quality of care provided by the healthcare system is also a concern. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of poor care being provided to elderly patients, with issues ranging from inadequate staffing levels to a lack of coordination among providers. This can have serious consequences for older Americans, who are more likely to have chronic conditions and complex medical needs that require high-quality care. Despite these challenges, there are also many positive aspects to the US healthcare system. For example, the country is home to some of the best hospitals and medical research centers in the world, and many older Americans are able to access high-quality care when they need it. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act, which was passed in 2010, has expanded access to healthcare for many older Americans by providing subsidies to help them afford insurance and increasing funding for programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Overall, the viability of the US healthcare system for elderly Americans is a complex issue that requires further study and discussion. While there are certainly challenges and shortcomings, there are also many positive aspects to the system that are worth considering. It is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that older Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare that meets their unique needs. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, caring and compassion is our business…

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How to Handle the Different Care Needs of Your Parents

Image via Pexels   How to Handle the Different Care Needs of Your Parents What will you do if your mom can live independently but your dad requires nursing care, or vice versa? When your parents have different care needs, it can put a strain on your family’s relationships. These tips will help you choose a suitable nursing home for your mom or dad to make sure your family remains connected. Vancouver Home Health Care Agency can provide skilled and compassionate home care for your senior loved one. Call (360) 975-7070 to learn more about our services. Find the Nursing Homes in Your Neighborhood    You can ask your relatives, friends, neighbors, or doctors about good nursing care providers they know. Searching websites such as A Place For Mom and Caring.com can ease the burden of visiting and comparing the care providers in person. Compare the Quality of Nursing Homes  Comparing the services and amenities provided by various nursing homes is essential to selecting a suitable place for your parent. Most nursing homes offer specialized care, such as ventilator support and stroke recovery, so analyze your parent’s care needs and find a facility that provides those services. Visit the Facility After shortlisting the available nursing homes, you should visit the facilities in person. Clear all your doubts and ask questions to assess whether it will be a good fit for your parent. Paying for Senior Care Services Putting a parent in nursing care can be expensive. Before you start searching for a nursing home, it’s smart to decide on a budget you and your parents can afford. By doing so, you won’t waste your time exploring facilities that won’t work for your budget long-term. According to a survey conducted by Genworth, skilled nursing care costs between $7,700 and $8,800 per month. Here are some options to help you reduce your financial burden: Medicare and Medicaid  Medicare covers costs associated with short-term stays in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Your parent can get a covered prescription from the long-term care pharmacy if they have Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. They can also qualify for Medicaid if they have a low income. Most health care expenses are covered if your parent qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid. Long-Term Care Insurance  Long-term care insurance can help pay for skilled and unskilled care. Some policies may cover all care services, including assisted living, adult daycare, and medical equipment, while others may cover only nursing care expenses. You can continue your parent’s dental and medical care even after they’ve moved into a long-term care facility. Downsizing If one of your parents is going to be in senior care, the other one may want to consider downsizing to a smaller place. You can sell your parents’ current house and help them shift closer to the nursing home. By selling the house, your parents can free up some cash to cover the nursing home expenses. Before finalizing your decision, calculate the present value of their assets to assess the financial resources they currently own. The home’s equity can be calculated by subtracting the mortgage amount still owed from the current market value of the property. Instead of purchasing a new home, they can rent an apartment. Apartments can be ideal for seniors looking for accessibility because they often have elevator service, especially in larger cities. You can also fine apartment within Clark county Washington that specialize in senior living for your love one, view online listings and filter by cost, size, and amenities your parent needs. Some websites even allow you to take virtual tours of potential apartments. Help Your Parents Throughout the Transition Process Transitioning one parent to a care facility can be difficult for the whole family. Stay compassionate and empathetic to help both parents throughout the transition process. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our Business.


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