My then 90 yo mother had LTC policy and several years ago, I tried to enact it when she needed help at home because she was having challenges doing so. I thought someone who could help her with bathing or light housekeeping. However, reading the LTC requirements showed that she would have to meet 3 out of 5 'qualifiers' to have the policy pay anything...like - needs help with dressing herself; needs help feeding herself, etc... Since we could only check 1 out of 5 boxes, we couldn't use the policy. Also, many policies have wait times - meaning, once you DO qualify and activate it, there might be a 30/60 or 90 day wait period where you have to pay everything yourself and only after those days will the LTC kick in. Check your policy closely, and if you don't understand it (most of them have VERY confusing language), call the insurance company for clarifications.
I’m a certified nurse aide , 16 years experience in skilled nursing, I would be willing depending on where you are located please feel to email me p.rixford84@gmail.com
Why would you be asking that question here? Why not call the insurance company her LTC policy is from and ask them if they cover homecare services. They would certainly know better than anyone here.
Mabar2000: If you are well enough, perhaps you can be the help that your wife requires. If you don't know how to cook, start off with easy or prepared meals.
I've got arthritis as well and I take drunken raisins. I eat 9-10 each day. Don't worry - you can't get tipsy from them. It's not going to hurt anything and it might give her some relief.
Here's the recipe: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-to-make-gin-soaked-raisins-for-joint-pain
I don't have Medicare and needed home care after major surgery. I got some from an agency recommended by the hospital social services worker. They have minimum time and charge ($39 per hour x 4 hours per day x 3 days per week) but take care of taxes, etc. (My Angels Home Care in So. Cal). I used them for a few months.
However, at $20+ per hour, you can hire someone to come in as you need. You may pay an additional fee for bookkeeping. I am in the process of interviewing someone for 2 hours per day x 5 days per week to do light housekeeping, etc. This is a registry for people needing/available to do housekeeping and personal care. I am able to take care of my personal needs, but need someone for light housekeeping chores. You can find local agencies through an on line search or through social services at your hospital. (Care.com)
In my experience most long term care policies require the individual to need assistance with two activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing or toileting. I agree that you need to check with your insurance company and perhaps your wife will qualify. I third the recommendation to contact your county agency on aging/social services organization. It doesn’t sound like traditional home health services for medical reasons will come in to play here and they don’t offer the services you are asking about.
Have you inquired about Home Health care through your local agencies? Medicare generally pays for it, including any PT, bathing, setting up meds, etc and chores. The only caveat is that she must be homebound.
Is she getting medical care for her hands? I'm asking because my LO has hand problems, including arthritis, and gets injections that help for some of the issues.
You can call your county's social services and request an in-home needs assessment. She may qualify for services like food-prep, light housekeeping and help with hygiene.
They would certainly know better than anyone here.
Here's the recipe: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-to-make-gin-soaked-raisins-for-joint-pain
However, at $20+ per hour, you can hire someone to come in as you need. You may pay an additional fee for bookkeeping. I am in the process of interviewing someone for 2 hours per day x 5 days per week to do light housekeeping, etc. This is a registry for people needing/available to do housekeeping and personal care. I am able to take care of my personal needs, but need someone for light housekeeping chores. You can find local agencies through an on line search or through social services at your hospital. (Care.com)
Hopes this gives you some leads.
Is she getting medical care for her hands? I'm asking because my LO has hand problems, including arthritis, and gets injections that help for some of the issues.