< Previous190 |www.stlouistimes.comHOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTto claim their keepsakes—old sports trophies, CDs, posters, school projects--and remove them from their parent’s house.•Throughout the process, try to limit sorting and packing activities to no more than two hours per day for your parent. Try to keep it relaxed and compan-ionable. Have a cup of tea (or glass of wine!), and take breaks.Where to Start Make lists: start a separate notebook just for the move. Keep it with you, and whenever you think of something—anything at all related to the move—write it down. Include to-do lists, a calendar/timeline, things you’re likely to forget, questions about the new residence, floor plans. Even anecdotes or historical notes about possessions. Find and get estimates from moving companies. Some fees may be negotiable if you plan ahead and schedule the move for nonpeak times. Set a firm date for the move. Make a floor plan or template of the new home, whether it’s one room or something larger. Be sure measurements are accu-rate, and reflect placement of doors, windows, appliances, built-in shelves, linen storage, heater vents, etc. You now know pre-cisely how much space you will have; you don’t need to guess. Make a preliminary plan of where major furniture will go in the new place—bed, couch, table and chairs, TV, bookshelf, dresser and desk, for example. Again, measure carefully. If piec-es can serve more than one purpose, all the better. Think about hiring a move manager, senior relocation spe-cialist or organizer specialist, or get recommendations from friends, seniors’ residences or senior centers. This person can help with all or part of:•Sorting and decision-making•Packing•Arranging the move•Arranging for charity pick up, garage sale, estate sale or consignment shops•Unpacking boxes and arranging new home.PaperworkComplete address changes:•Post Office•Credit cards•Bank accounts•Investment/retirement accounts•Medicare & Social Security•Voter’s registration•Family & friends•Driver’s license/car registration•Newspaper/magazine subscriptions•Social clubs & places of worship•Notify lawyer, accountant, insurance agent, other The number of kitchen items should be greatly reduced if your parent is going to a residence or facility that serves meals. If possible, and if the move is not far from the family home, move your parent out first, taking only the designated furniture and items he/she wants and needs. Leave the rest of the house-hold goods and clean-up to be dealt with after the move. (Also, items will be available for retrieval if it turns out they’re missed.) Be patient and allow time at this stage for your parent to talk about memories, to reminisce about family activities or relatives no longer with you, to acknowledge emotions. This can be a nice opportunity for you both to remember the stories and incidents that are part of your history and that make each family unique. Don’t go overboard purging items to take—you can keep some collectibles, especially if they’re small. You want the new residence to look like a home, not a motel room! Settling in Plan to check in often with your parent. Adjusting to the new surroundings may take days, weeks, and months. Individuals’ reactions differ after such an upheaval in their lives. Many peo-ple feel relief at not being alone and not having to maintain a large house. Others may be withdrawn and hesitant about mak-ing new friends. Many grieve the loss of their old communi-ty and friends. And sometimes, the reaction is: “I should have done this years ago!”Continued from page 189Reprinted from Family Caregiver AllianceDownsizing a HomeSRG | 1912017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEHOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTHow To Convince Your Children That You Should Stay In Your Own Home1. Eat. Don’t skip meals. If you aren’t hungry, don’t eat much. Keep your refrigerator and pantry well stocked with the food you eat. Get rid of the spoiled, moldy, and stale stuff. Occasionally, invite your children over for a meal. Be a good hostess, use the good dishes, stay relaxed and within yourself.2. Organize your finances and pay your bills. Your children will worry that you will be cheated. Budget. Give your charity money to your own church or a charity that you are familiar with. Suppress the urge to give money to anyone with a sad story, especially those on TV. Don’t give any money to people who phone you or come to your door unasked, and that includes repairmen. Ask your children for help with selecting repair people and organizing major financial operations.3. Keep your home clean and uncluttered. One of the clearest signs of dementia is living in clutter: old newspapers, cans, bottles, mail, and other junk. Get rid of furniture and other household items you no longer need. A lot of it will still have good use left or sentimental value, and it is an act of charity to recycle this stuff. If it is too much for you to dust, vacuum, wash windows, mow the lawn and weed the flowerbeds, hire help to do it. If you can’t afford that, turn to your faith community or local Senior Assistance for help in finding free chore services.4. Take care of your physical self. See your doctor and dentist regularly. Take your medications, brush your teeth, and exercise every day. Bathe often and wear clean clothes. If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, have a good treatment plan and stay with it. Go to a fall prevention class. Watch your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.5. Stay in the mainstream. Neighbors, friends, clubs, children, grandchildren, church groups and the like can not only fill your life with purpose, but can also support you when you need help, cheer you up when you are ill, and walk with you in daily living.6. Use community services. The government and many private organizations provide services to assist you. For example, there is bus service that will come to your door at a specified time, take you where you want to go, and bring you home when you are finished. There are organizations that will bring prepared meals to your home. You can get help with your rent or utility bills if you cannot pay them. The good news is that you don’t have to hunt for these services. Just call your local Senior Services and tell them what you need. Often parents don’t want to “burden” adult children; and those same adult children are caught between trying to help, yet not insult parents by asking questions about how they are getting along day-to-day; it can be a touchy situation. The “Aging in Place in America” study commissioned by Clarity® and The EAR Foundation, examined seniors’ and boomers’ attitudes on aging and independence. The findings suggest senior citizens fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than death. And the children of seniors also fear for their parents, with specific concern about their emotional and physical well-being should they have to enter a nursing home. In order to maintain your independence, you must convince your children through your own behavioral adaptations that you can live independently. Think back to the way that they convinced you to trust them was their making an effort to calm your fears by keeping you informed and acting responsibly. Remember how comforting it was when you realized you could trust them. Now, you must do the same thing!Reprinted from AgingInPlace.comHERE’S HOW: To Age in Place means that you will be remaining in your own home for the later years of your life; not moving into a smaller home, assisted living, or a retirement community, etc. This lifestyle choice is also known as “Aging in Place” and “Ageing in Place.”When one chooses to Age in Place does this mean changes will not need to be made? No, changes in the home will gradually take place, such as help for mobility and safety as one may decline in years. In a positive vein, it is the best choice for many, because one can continue in an independent lifestyle and often remain very ac-tive. In our day of modern technology, this very topic of Aging in Place has become the forefront of inventive ideas to allow seniors to remain in their own home with the ongoing development and implementation of Assistive Technology.What Does it Mean to Age in Place?SRG192 |www.stlouistimes.comMISSOURI LISTINGSAgeless Design Phone: 636-225-6865 1704 Lance End Lane, St. Louis, MO 63026 Email: debbokamper@yahoo.com Website: www.agelessdesignbydeb.com Counties Served: Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 2013 Description: Design home solutions to people who have special needs to make their homes safe, functional and beautiful.Anderson Real Estate at Remax Results Phone: 314-707-4963 Fax: 314-894-4358 4850 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129 Email: JimAndersonDeals@Gmail.com Website: www.JimAndersonDeals.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 2013 Description: I am a full-time realtor available to you in short notice at most times. I have a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. I have adopted a roadway in my community and I volunteer to assist seniors through the County Older Residents Program (CORP). I have a calm, open, honest, professional demeanor. I am very well-organized, detail-oriented and a good listener.Comar Floors Phone: 636-219-7166 Fax: 636-219-7166 11106 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 Email: floors@comarfloors.com Website: comarfloors.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO In Business Since: 2004 Description: The flooring store that will come to you.HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTSENIORS EMPORIUM PLEDGE: Shop with us and 10% of Seniors Emporium profits will be donated annually to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.We are here to serve you, our valued customer, as we continue to honor our mission of“DOING SOME GOOD for OLDER ADULTS.”CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT:www.seniorsemporium.comProviding a Wide Variety of PRODUCTS and INFORMATION to Live Life More Comfortably.associate | 1932017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEDuke Homes, LLC Phone: 314-412-4411 Fax: 636-220-2424 340 Meadowbrook County, Ballwin, MO 63011 Email: jandukehomes@gmail.com Website: dukehomesstl.com Counties Served: St. Louis MO In Business Since: 1988 Description: Sell your house or condo with a simple and easy sale. You receive all cash, make no repairs or improvements and choose the closing date (10 days to 10 months). Receive a fair price and pay no commissions. Duke Homes has been buying houses and condos for three decades. Call Jan Duke (owner) for a free, no-obligation consultation and you will be one step closer to the freedom you deserve.Estate Sales by Steve & Sheri Phone: 314-878-7474 12321 Betsy Ross Lane, St. Louis, MO 63146 Email: antique454@webtv.net Website: steveandsheriestatesales.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1996 Description: We are a full service estate sale/moving sale company. We are 100% self-sufficient in assisting you with liquidating the contents of a home, whether downsizing, moving into a retirement community, or after someone has passed away. We can completely & efficiently take this burden off your shoulders. We are BBB Accredited, Bonded & Insured.HOPE helps older adults live with dignity and independence in the housing most appropriate to their circumstances.We provide FREE Case Management Services for Older Adults and their caregivers.CALL HOPE at 314-776-0155 or see our website at hopestl.comHOPE also provides Reverse Mortgage Counseling. HOPE’s experienced counselors will help you decide if this loan is right for you. HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTFasterHouse, LLC Phone: 314-200-5122 Fax: 636-947-3787 920 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301 Email: info@FasterHouse.com Website: FasterHouse.com Counties Served: St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO In Business Since: 2002 Description: We buy houses faster and easier in any situation, any condition. We help people moving into senior communities sell their house as-is without hassles. We are a locally owned company, have been in business since 2002, and have an A+ rating with the BBB. Call us at 314-200-5122 for a free, no-obligation cash offer. We pay cash and close as quickly as you want.Fortune|Kohring Real Estate-Senior Real Estate Specialists Phone: 314-479-5677 100 Katy Trail Drive, Suite 100, St. Charles, MO 63303 Email: maria@fortunekohringre.com Website: www.fortunekohringre.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 2006 Description: Senior real estate services. Our team has experience in all facets of a senior move. With experience in selling a senior’s current home as well as locating a future home. Our team has experience in all levels of senior living including smaller homes, independent living, assisted living, and memory care neighborhoods. We are here when you need special attention selling or finding the family home.194 |www.stlouistimes.comLISA GILLIAM314-578-2914lisa@sixhourorganizer.comwww.sixhourorganizer.com “...if you only had more TIME...”• DOWNSIZING• DE-CLUTTERING• UNPACKINGGoldilocks Solutions LLC Phone: 314-517-1250 P.O. Box 235, Eureka, MO 63025 Email: info@goldilockssolutions.com Website: www.goldilockssolutions.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 2014 Description: Goldilocks Solutions is a move management and creative design company that specializes in making your home just right for you. Whether you are downsizing or moving, needing help to organize or declutter, preparing your home to sell or handling the estate of a loved one, Goldilocks Solutions provides the services you need. Contact us at 314-517-1250 for a free one-hour consultation.Grab Bar Guys Phone: 314-993-4307 Fax: 831-300-6113 9971 Coddington Way, St Louis, MO 63132 Email: Grabbarguysstl@gmail.com Website: www.grabbarguysstl.net Counties Served: Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, Madison IL, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 1987 Description: Helping you and your families identify the slip, trip, and fall hazards in and around your home and residence, we will supply and install the safety hardware to protect you and your love ones so they can live safely and securely in their home. Giving you the peace of mind & confidence you made the right choice to insure your safety,health,in your home. There is no place like home.Homepro Corporation Phone: 314-276-1951 Fax: 314-754-7714 P.O. Box 4321, St. Louis, MO 63123 Email: customerservice@stlhomepro.com Website: www.stlhomepro.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, Bond IL, Clinton IL, Madison IL, Monroe IL, Randolph IL, St. Clair IL, Washington IL In Business Since: 2001 Description: Sales, rentals, installation and modifications of accessibility and safety items for seniors, persons with disabilities & rehab and recovery patients.Housing Options Provided for the Elderly (HOPE) Phone: 314-776-0155 Fax: 314-776-0852 4265 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110 Email: buz.hope@gmail.com Website: www.hopestl.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1987 Description: Helping older adults live with dignity and independence in the housing most appropriate to their circumstances. Nationwide we help with reverse mortgage counseling (reverse mortgages are a way to borrow on home equity; repayment is not required until you move). In St. Louis City and County we provide case management - helping to seniors connect with services.MOMODERNEESTATESALESERVICES314-495-40958631 WATSON RD.WEBSTER GROVES, MO 63119• Certified Appraisers• Large Customer Base• No Stress For You• Complete Cleanout• We Take Care of EVERYTHINGESTATE SALESbySTEVE & SHERISETTLING AN ESTATE? MOVING?Are you overwhelmed?WE MAKE IT EASY!Call Us Before You Throw Anything Away!FREE ConsultationBonded • Insured • ReferencesSince 1995Friendly • Helpful • Caring314-878-7474314-265-3854 Cell- BBB Accredited -HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENT | 1952017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDELasting Impressions Home Remodel Center, Ltd. Phone: 314-837-7722 Fax: 314-837-7722 2168 N. Waterford, Florissant, MO 63033 Email: lihrc2@hotmail.com Website: www.lihrc.com Counties Served: St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1944 Description: Lasting Impressions completes home modifications to keep seniors and persons with a disability in their home as long as it is feasible. Safety is our number one concern for you. We offer ADA approved products, the TubcuT(tm), handheld showers, safety bars. We specialize in sensory rooms proven to help with dementia, Alzheimer, PTSD, autism, anxiety, and more. Approved providers for DMH,DDRB,VA.MoModerne Phone: 314-495-4095 8631 Watson Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119 Email: momoderne@gmail.com Website: www.momodernestl.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, St. Clair IL, Washington IL In Business Since: 2000 Description: We offer estate sale services and buy-out organizational options for leaving a residence before or after someone has passed.New Beginnings For U Phone: 314-925-2633 6200 Whisper Bend Drive, St. Louis, MO 63129 Email: sharon@nb-4u.com Website: www.nb-4u.com Counties Served: St. Louis MO In Business Since: 2016 Description: New Beginnings, a senior move management company, customizes a plan for your relocation needs.Options HME, Inc. Stair Lifts Phone: 636-489-0055 167 Lamp & Lantern Village, Suite 109, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Email: customer.service@optionshme.com Website: www.optionshme.com Counties Served: St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, Bond IL, Clinton IL, Madison IL, Monroe IL, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 2007 Description: We give you the otion to staty in the home you love. Specializing in the sales, installation, and servicing of stair lifts, porch lifts, and wheelchair lifts.We have over 10 years of experience in serving St. Louis and the surrounding communities. We are a locally owned company. Our installers are experienced employees not sub contractors. We are experts on narrow stairs and stairs with turns.HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENT“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”- Albert EinsteinWheelchair Ramps Lifts & More314-409-4292800-649-5215www.amramp.comRENT or BuyInstalled in DaysAffordable Free EvaluationFinancing Available196 |www.stlouistimes.comRebuilding Together St. Louis Phone: 314-918-9918 Fax: 314-918-9920 357 Marshall Ave., Suite 2, St. Louis , MO 63119 Email: jconner@rebuildingtogether-stl.org Website: www.rebuildingtogether-stl.org Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1992 Description: Rebuilding Together St. Louis’ mission is a safe and healthy home for every person. Our vision is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners. We do this by activating volunteers to complete free home repairs for homeowners who are low-income seniors, individuals with disabilities or military veterans. Six Hour Organizer Phone: 314-578-2914 1927 St. Clair, St. Louis, MO 63144 Email: lisa@sixhourorganizer.com Website: www.sixhourorganizer.com Counties Served: St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, Madison IL, Monroe IL, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 2011 Description: Downsizing, de-cluttering and unpacking services for the relatively organized to the disorganized individual. Providing help in the decision making process. Helping to bring calm to overwhelming situations. From moving to a smaller space, to bringing order to cluttered spaces (garages, basements, craft rooms, kitchens, etc.), Six Hour Organizer is here to help.St. Louis Area Agency on Aging Phone: 314-612-5918 or 877-612-5918 Fax: 314-612-5915 1520 Market Street, Room 4065, St. Louis, MO 63103 Email: slaaa@stlouis-mo.gov Website: www.slaaa.org Counties Served: St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1960 Description: SLAAA uses volunteers to provide minor home repairs for seniors living in the City of St. Louis. Minor home repair projects include: yard work, painting, gutter cleaning, plumbing, etc. There is no cost for service but the senior may be asked to buy special supplies.Sunflower Move Managers Phone: 314-541-3040 405 Tuxedo Boulevard, Webster Groves, MO 63119 Email: info@sunflowermove.com Website: www.sunflowermove.com Counties Served: Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 2007 Description: Sunflower Move Managers specializes in household moving and downsizing assistance for older adults. We organize and manage the entire moving process while providing hands-on services including packing and settling your belongings. We also offer downsizing and house-clearing services.The Federal Savings Bank Phone: 636-675-1267 Fax: 970-644-8169 1623 Forestview Ridge Lane, St. Louis, MO 63021 Email: dcooper1623@yahoo.com Website: www.thefederalsavingsbank.com/denniscooper Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO, Bond IL, Clinton IL, Madison IL, Monroe IL, Randolph IL, St. Clair IL, Washington IL In Business Since: 2006 Description: I assist homeowners age 62 and older to access the equity that they have built up in their homes on a tax-free basis. This money can be used for any purpose including the purchase of a home.HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENT | 1972017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDEILLINOIS LISTINGSSeniors Making Moves Phone: 618-505-4343 908 Cloverfield Lane, Troy, IL 62294 Counties Served: Madison IL, St. Clair IL In Business Since: 2013 Description: Your professional solution for organizing, down-sizing, right-sizing, move management and aging in place. Contact us for your free initial consultation.USDA Rural Development Phone: 618-244-0773 221 Withers Drive, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 Email: Dana.Norris@il.usda.gov Counties Served: Bond IL, Clinton IL, Madison IL, Monroe IL, Randolph IL, St. Clair IL, Washington IL Description: The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. There are two programs offered: home loans for purchasing and loans for home repairs. To be eligible for the home repair loan or grant the individual must be 62 or older and the repair must be either because of safety or health issues. There are two facts that affect the amount of money an individual qualifies for and those are income and number of individuals in the household.HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENTTile & Bath Service, Inc. Phone: 636-394-0315 Fax: 636-394-0727 14770 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011 Email: Chuck@tileandbathservice.com Website: tileandbathservice.com Counties Served: Franklin MO, Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1979 Description: We specialize in shower rebuilding, tub to stall shower conversions and bathroom remodeling. We offer extra high toilets, bidet-style/paperless toilet seats, high vanities, grab bars, handheld showers, wall-mounted shower seats and solutions to special needs situations. Please visit our showroom and/or look at our website for ideas specifically for seniors - www.seniorfriendlybathrooms.com.Yvonne Wesa Real Estate Phone: 314-363-4170 Fax: 314-558-9775 ReMax Results Real Estate,13208 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 53131 Email: yvonne@ymwrealestate.com Website: www.YMWRealEstate.com Counties Served: Jefferson MO, St. Charles MO, St. Louis MO, St. Louis City MO In Business Since: 1986 Description: Expert Senior Resource SRES, GRI, CDPE, SFR, ABR, you can trust Yvonne and her network of resources to guide you through the decisions and challenges that may present themselves as part of the normal aging process when involved with down-sizing, aging in place or moving to a facility, and the needs for selling a property in order to move on. Yvonne also works closely with trustees or family members.618.505.4343FREE Initial ConsultationOrganizing • Packing & UnpackingHome Staging • Move ManagementSeniors Making MovesDownsizing, Estate Dispersal,& Relocation Management ServicesY vonne M WesaBroker-AssociateSRES, GRI, CDPE, ABR314-363-4170www.YMWRealEstate.comOffice: 314-775-0626 Results Yvonne is the SPECIALIST for “over-50” buying, selling and moving needs.Ask for a FREE Market evaluation of your home! . . . a FULL ANALYSIS!!!“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”- Henry David Thoreau198 |www.stlouistimes.comStop the spread of germs that can make you and others sick!You may be asked to put on a facemask to protect others.If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.Put your used tissue in the waste basket.CS208322HOUSING RESOURCES, MODIFICATIONS and MOVE MANAGEMENT | 1992017 - SENIORS’ RESOURCE GUIDELong Term Care Insurance BasicsLong term care is the kind of help you need if you are unable to care for yourself because of prolonged illness or disability. Care may be provided by a health care professional such as a nurse, home health aide, or other personal care providers. Dif-ferent amounts and levels of care can take place in a variety of locations, ranging from a few hours of care per week in one’s home, to around-the-clock care in a nursing facility. Long term care services are different from traditional medical care be-cause their focus is not necessarily to improve the individual’s medical condition but to maintain the individual’s quality of life.When thinking about ways to pay for long term care, there are different options. It’s important to prepare for long term care events to avoid being forced to make a last minute decision or having limited choices. While decades of savings may help you accumulate money to pay for long term care, you may not have decades to save before an event occurs. Saving enough to cover long term care expenses may be more difficult than you think. Medicare and other types of health insurance generally do not cover long-term care. The individual may qualify for Med-icaid if the benefits of the long-term care insurance policy have been exhausted. Medicaid is a health insurance program jointly administered and funded by the federal and state governments, for people with low-income and limited financial resources.Disability insurance generally replaces lost income to cover basic living expenses like rent, food, and clothing. Health in-surance covers part of the cost for hospital stays, prescription drugs, and doctor’s visits but it may not help with the cost of long term care services associated with the activities of daily living.Long term care insurance may give you the option to have a voice in the care you receive. Policies vary greatly in the amount and scope of services they cover and the settings in which ser-vices are delivered. All policies contain limitations and exclu-sions. Some exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for a period of six months. Many policies will not cover long-term care provided by family members.Long term care policies generally limit benefits to a maxi-mum dollar amount or a maximum number of days. They may also have separate benefit limits for nursing home care and home health care within the same policy. For example, a policy may cover five years of nursing home care and two years of home health care.The insurance plan will pay a daily benefit amount, such as $100 per day, which would be the maximum daily amount the policy will pay for care. If the care costs more, the individual must pay the difference. Most plans let an individual choose from a range of daily benefits. In addition, an individual may choose a benefit period that is a specific number of days, months or years.Availability of benefits depends on the elimination period, which is the number of days that an individual must need nursing or home health care before a plan will pay for services. Shorter elimination periods have higher premiums. In addi-tion, a plan will not pay benefits until certain requirements are satisfied. Those requirements are cognitive impairment or the inability to perform a minimum number of activities of daily living, such as bathing, continence, dressing, eating and trans-ferring.At least 70 percent of people 65 or older will require some long term care services. If long term care insurance is appro-priate for your specific financial situation, contact a long term care specialist, financial advisor or accountant for guidance. Make sure you understand what a long term care insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover. Ask questions and make sure the company is reputable and licensed to sell insurance in your state.INSURANCEThere are many different kinds of insurance that people might need throughout their lives. Many of these change as we age, such as the need for Long-term care insurance (LTC or LTCI) which helps provide for the cost of long-term care beyond a predetermined period. Long-term care insurance covers care generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Whether it’s insurance for things such as your home, auto, health or long-term care, some of the listed resources below may be able to help you clarify your insurance needs.SRGNext >