Long-Term Care Doesn’t Always Mean a Nursing Home

When people think about long-term care, they often assume it means going to a nursing home. However, that’s not always the case. At Senior Solutions, we believe that whenever possible, people should have access to care in the setting that best meets their needs—whether that’s at home, in an assisted living facility, or through a community-based program. Nursing homes are sometimes necessary, but they are not the only option.

Keeping People Out of Nursing Homes Whenever Possible

The goal of long-term care planning is to provide individuals with the necessary support while maintaining their independence and quality of life. Many people thrive outside of a nursing home if they have the right support system. Options include:

• Home Care Services – With the help of home health aides, personal care attendants, and visiting nurses, many individuals can receive care in their own homes.

• Assisted Living Facilities – These facilities provide a balance between independence and care, offering support with daily activities in a more home-like setting.

• PACE Programs (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) – A Medicaid-funded program that provides medical care, therapy, transportation, and in-home support to eligible seniors who might otherwise require nursing home care.

  
  

Mike’s Story: Finding the Right Solution

Mike was living alone with Parkinson’s disease. He had trouble walking and would often fall.  This put him a cycle of hospital stays, rehab stays, returning home for a short time, and then falling again and going back to the hospital again because he did not have the care he needed at home.  Eventually, Mike was placed in a nursing home.

Although he was eligible for Medicaid to cover his nursing home costs, he was not ready to give up his independence. By working with a geriatric care manager, he was able to secure a handicapped-accessible apartment and get approved for the PACE program. This allowed him to move out of the nursing home and back into his own apartment with the right level of care and support.

Mike’s case highlights how proactive planning can help individuals avoid unnecessary nursing home stays. If he had planned earlier, he might have avoided spending over a year in a facility he didn’t want to be in.

Planning for Aging in Place

For those who prefer to remain at home, early planning is key. Consider:

• Home Modifications – Installing grab bars, stair lifts, and accessible bathrooms to make living at home safer.

• Hiring Caregivers – Professional caregivers can assist with daily tasks and ensure safety.

• Utilizing Medicaid Programs – Certain Medicaid programs help cover in-home care and assisted living costs, though availability varies by state.

• Exploring Shared Housing Options – Living with a friend, younger person, or in a senior co-housing arrangement can provide support and companionship.

• Knowing Your Options- An Elder Law attorney can help you understand your options for care and whether you may be able to protect assets and qualify for Medicaid (also called “MassHealth”) benefits.

  
  

The Right Care at the Right Time

Long-term care is not one-size-fits-all. While nursing homes are a necessary for some, they should be a last resort. Many individuals can receive quality care in their homes or communities with the right support. If you or a loved one are facing decisions about long-term care, working with an elder law attorney can help you explore the best options to maintain independence and dignity while ensuring you receive the care you need.

Senior Solutions, Attorneys at Law, is an Estate Planning and Elder Law firm serving the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area since 2001. We are ready to help you with Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship & Conservatorships, Special Needs Trusts, and Fiduciary Services. We are here to help. Please call our office at 617-489-5900 or schedule a brief free consultation (offered to new clients) by clicking: https://seniorsolutions.as.me/FreeConsult