 ELDERCARE.GOV
is a public service of the U.S.
Administration on Aging.
Elderly care or simply eldercare is the fulfillment of
the special needs and requirements that are unique to
senior citizens.
This broad term encompasses such services as
assisted living, adult day care, long
term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and in Home care.
The Eldercare Locator, public service of the
Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their
caregivers with information on senior services.
The Eldercare Locator is designed to help older
adults and their families and caregivers find their way through the maze
of services for seniors by identifying trustworthy local support
resources. The goal is to provide users with the information and
resources they need that will help older persons live independently and
safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Established in 1991, the Eldercare Locator links those who need
assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and
community-based organizations that serve older adults and their
caregivers. Whether an older person needs help with services such as
meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and
education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the
Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
The
ELDERCARE.GOV
Eldercare Locator is administered in partnership
with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the National
Association of State Units on Aging.
Medical
versus social care
A distinction is generally made between medical and social
care, and the latter is much less likely to be covered by insurance or
public funds. In the US, 86% of the one million or so residents in
assisted living facilities pay for care out of their own funds. The rest
get help from family and friends and from state agencies. Medicare does
not pay unless skilled-nursing care is needed and given in certified
skilled nursing facilities. Assisted living facilities usually do not
meet Medicare's requirements. However, Medicare does pay for some
skilled care if your relative meets the requirements for the Medicare
home health benefit.
Thirty-two states pay for care in assisted living facilities through
their Medicaid wavier programs. Similarly, in the United Kingdom the
National Health Service provides medical care for the elderly, as for
all, free at the point of use, but social care is only paid for by
public authorities when a person has exhausted their private resources.
Elderly care emphasizes the social and personal requirements of senior
citizens who need some assistance with daily activities and health care,
but who desire to age with dignity. It is an important distinction, in
that the design of housing, services, activities, employee training and
such should be truly customer-centered.
However, elderly care is focused on satisfying the expectations of two
tiers of customers: the resident customer and the purchasing customer,
who are often not identical, since relatives or public authorities
rather than the resident may be providing the cost of care. Where
residents are confused or have communication difficulties, it may be
very difficult for relatives or other concerned parties to be sure of
the standard of care being given, and the possibility of elder abuse is
a continuing source of concern.
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