Our Information and Assistance Specialists are here to guide and assist you and your loved one through the different types of living settings. When we are weighing these options with you, we refer to this as “Options Counseling.” We are here to help you understand the variety of housing and home care options as well as answer your questions regarding financial help, services in the home, and the different types of living settings to explore, from most to least independent.
Weighing your Options and Comparing Cost of Care Where you Live
Weighing your options helps compare the cost of services as you or your loved one’s health progresses and more care is needed. An individual residing in the most independent setting (such as an independent apartment) may receive up to 24-hours per day, 7 days per week of supportive and personal cares. Supportive care includes cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and companionship. Personal care includes bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, toileting, and transferring. Other skilled nursing care needs may include medication management, medication administration, wound care, and health monitoring.
In-Home Care Options
Explore our home health care agencies listings for caregivers to assist with supportive and personal cares. Average cost for a home health agency are approximately $18 – $32 per hour based on the type of service needed. If an individual prefers to hire their own caregiver, there is the Respite Care Association of WI that has an online registry of caregivers (respitecare.org). The registry requires background checks within the past 3 years; however, these services are not vetted by ADRC.
Payer sources for in-home care include private pay, Medicaid, Veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and publicly funded long-term care programs.
- Medicaid Personal Care Benefit – for Medicaid recipients in need of home care to receive a caregiver through a home health agency. Medicaid covers personal care needs but does not cover supportive care.
- Medicare coverage for skilled needs – offers physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Does not cover supportive care.
- Publicly Funded Long-Term Care Programs – may be an option to explore if you or your loved one meets functional eligibility criteria and is financially eligible for Medicaid to help pay for services.
- Veteran benefits and Long-Term Care Insurance – can offer coverage for in-home care. Contact your local Brown County Veteran Services Office to see if you qualify.
Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
If your loved one needs daily services and more supervision, exploring Assisted Living Facilities is the next step. There are two different types of Assisted Living, from most to least independent, called a Residential Apartment Complex (RCAC) and a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF). An RCAC is for individuals who prefer to have their own apartment but also have services on site (up to 28 hours per week) for supportive and personal cares. If an individual needs more than 28 hours per day of care, it may be best to explore less independent, more supportive CBRF settings.
If there comes a point when your loved one needs unlimited skilled care, it may be time to explore nursing home settings, which can either be short or long-term. If your loved one is already residing in a nursing home, nursing home relocation is an option to help them relocate to a less restrictive, more independent living setting.
If you’re interested in discussing options specific to you or a loved one, please contact us at (920) 448-4300. We can answer questions and help you navigate housing and home care options.
