Commonly Asked Questions When Using a Long Term Care Insurance Policy for In-Home Care Services

What are considered the six activities of daily living in order to use my long term care policy?

It is always best to carefully review your long term care policy. In order to use your long term care insurance policy generally the long term care insurance company requires that at least two activities of daily living be conducted by a licensed caregiver. The following are the general activities of daily living:

Bathing

Often times clients are fearful of a fall should they shower or bath alone. Having a caregiver available during bathing will give clients peace of mind. Whether the aide is on stand by assistance allowing for privacy or assisting a client with proper hygiene, the bathing activity should be documented in the care notes of service.

Dressing

It is very common for a decrease in mobility requires an additional set of hands to assist in dressing due to a healthcare setback. Whether a client needs help taking on or off items of clothing with the assistance of an aide can alleviate any unnecessary stress.

Continence

Eating

Toileting

Transferring

Can I get the same caregiver for a morning and evening shift?

Maintaining continuity of care is important for our clients. Commonly known as "split shifts", the morning shift is designed to assist a client with their morning routine. Often referred to as rise and shine service, a four hour minimum is required with each shift. It is rather challenging to staff a client's wish with a split shift, however, it is up to the licensed caregiver to determine if they will accept both morning and evening shift. Evening shifts require a four hour minimum and generally clients request 6pm to 10am.

Can I get a ride to a scheduled doctor’s appointment with a caregiver?

Caregivers have the discretion to drive a client to a doctor's appointment or any errand in their own vehicle. This is considered part of the care requirement at the initial assessment where the caregiver who accepts the case is aware of the transportation request and agrees to get reinbursed a set amount for mileage reinbursement.