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Long-term Care
* See the  Future on Long-Term Care Web site
Overview
Long term care means a range of services that help people who can no longer meet their own daily needs. We call this limitation in activities of daily living(ADLs).
Long term care can be expensive and there are many different options from which to choose, including services in your home or a care facility.
This section provides an overview of services, a guide to help you choose a care setting or services that are right for you and guidance on funding long term care.
The Oregon Helps Web site can tell you whether your family might be able to get help from various state and federal assistance programs, including long-term care.
Help in your community
Many DHS programs help people stay in their homes even when they need help to stay independent. Senior centers, hot meal programs and transportation may help people remain independent, well-nourished and healthy in their own homes.
Others need more formal help in a community-based living setting such as an assisted living facility or other care facility.
There are a variety of programs and services that may be offered in your local community. For further assistance and information contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Department of Human Services (DHS) local office in your area.
Funding your care
Spousal Impoverishment - If your spouse needs care in a facility, this law lets you protect some of your income and resources. Because of this law, your spouse can become eligible for Medicaid benefits without you becoming impoverished. Download the brochure (pdf)
Long-term care insurance - Long Term Care Insurance can help pay for long term care costs. Some people do not need long term care insurance either because they will have enough money to pay for future long term care needs or because their income is low enough that they will qualify for Medicaid. The Oregon Insurance Commission, through their Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, has developed a good guide on long term insurance. Download the guide (pdf)
Medicaid - Medicaid pays the long-term care costs for eligible, low-income individuals. There are three different areas for eligibility determinations:
- Income (300% of SSI for an individual - $1911.00 per month)
- Resources ( $2,000 in assets)
- Limitations in Activities of Daily Living
If you are found eligible in these three areas, a case manager in an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Department of Human Services (DHS) local office will help you find the appropriate care setting that will meet your need.
- Medicare - Medicare generally doesn't pay for long-term care. Medicare also doesn't pay for help with activities of daily living or other care that most people can do themselves. Some examples of activities of daily living include eating, bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. Medicare will help pay for skilled nursing or home health care if you meet certain conditions. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information.
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