How In Home Care Can Help Rural Families Avoid Financial Ruin from Long Term Care Costs

More and more families in rural America face a heartbreaking decision: sell family land to pay for nursing home care or lose access to necessary healthcare. The story of farmers being forced to relinquish valuable property to cover nursing home costs has become all too familiar. In areas where land holds not only economic value but also cultural and familial importance, these choices carry profound consequences. However, in-home care services provide a meaningful alternative-one that allows seniors to stay at home and retain their assets.

The Current Reality

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities often deplete seniors' life savings, leaving families with little choice but to sell off property, including farms, to qualify for Medicaid. According to an article by NPR, many seniors end up sacrificing their family-owned assets just to cover the costs of long-term care (Naylor, 2024). This pattern threatens the stability of rural communities and jeopardizes generational wealth and legacy.

How In-Home Care Can Change the Outcome

In-home care offers a solution that avoids the financial strain associated with institutional care. By staying at home, seniors can maintain their independence and protect their family's financial future. Here's how in-home care makes a difference:

• Lower Costs: In-home care typically costs less than nursing home care. Seniors can receive tailored services without being forced to sell their land or home to cover the expenses (National Council on Aging, n.d.).
• Personalized Health Support: Caregivers deliver specific services based on individual needs, giving seniors the flexibility to receive only what they require without being subjected to blanket care models.
• Emotional and Psychological Well-being: Remaining at home, surrounded by loved ones and familiar settings, significantly reduces stress, isolation, and cognitive decline, all of which are common in nursing home residents.

The Impact on Rural Communities

In rural communities, land and property represent more than financial value; they are legacies passed down through generations. Our members in rural areas often face the distressing decision of choosing between receiving healthcare and keeping their family's farm. In-home care services provide a critical solution that helps families avoid these tough decisions and protects their assets for future generations. Health plans in rural areas can support this effort by offering in-home care options, addressing both health needs and financial concerns.

How Health Plans Can Play a Role

Health plans that incorporate in-home services can:

• Reduce Overall Healthcare Costs: By keeping seniors in their homes, health plans can avoid the higher costs associated with nursing home care (National Council on Aging, n.d.).
• Boost Member Satisfaction: Most seniors prefer to age in place. Health plans that offer in-home care see higher satisfaction rates among their members.
• Protect Family Assets: Offering in-home care helps families avoid selling off valuable assets, safeguarding their financial future while still providing quality care.

In-home care services give seniors the ability to age in place, reduce financial strain, and protect their family legacies. By supporting in-home care, health plans can reduce costs, increase member satisfaction, and provide an alternative to the emotional and financial hardships caused by traditional long-term care options. As rural communities continue to face these challenges, in-home care provides a pathway to preserving the things that matter most.

References:

1. National Council on Aging. (n.d.). In-home care. NCOA. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/local-care/in-home-care
2. Naylor, A. (2024, September 3). Farmers risk losing family land to nursing home costs as Medicaid rules take a toll. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/09/03/nx-s1-5072964/farmers-medicaid-nursing-home-long-term-care

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