Tag

Long Term Care

All articles tagged with #long term care

Outliving savings eclipses death fear, fueling retirement planning
business13 hours ago

Outliving savings eclipses death fear, fueling retirement planning

Americans fear running out of money in retirement more than death, a finding from Allianz’s annual survey (67% choose money over mortality). Longer lifespans, inflation, and rising health/long-term-care costs help explain the worry, with life expectancy at birth at 79 in 2024 and a looming Social Security shortfall that could trim benefits by 2032 if unaddressed. The Transamerica Center also lists money-related fears (long-term care, Social Security cuts, outliving savings) as top retirement concerns. Practical steps include delaying Social Security to age 70, maxing 401(k)/IRA contributions (2026: 401(k) up to $24,500, catch‑up up to $8,000; older savers have higher limits; IRA max $7,500 with $1,100 catch-up), creating a retirement plan, consulting advisers, and considering long-term care insurance or life policies with LTC riders.

The hidden price of dementia caregiving: $120,000 out-of-pocket
lifestyle5 days ago

The hidden price of dementia caregiving: $120,000 out-of-pocket

John Nuar cared for his father with dementia in Michigan from 2017–2019 at home before moving him to memory care; rising private-pay costs and limited public aid led them to pay about $120,000 out of pocket. After a period with relatives in Virginia, his father returned to private memory care in Michigan, where costs climbed from roughly $4,200 to $6,600 per month until his death in 2024. The piece highlights the emotional and financial toll of dementia care and urges proactive planning—maxing HSAs for long-term care, completing advance directives and wills—to prepare for future needs.

Building a Private Memory-Care Home Cost This Family $120,000
personal-finance6 days ago

Building a Private Memory-Care Home Cost This Family $120,000

John Nuar and his wife built a home to care for his father, who had dementia, in Michigan (2017–2019); after attempts with vouchers and private care, his father spent about three years in memory care before dying in 2024, with out‑of‑pocket costs totaling roughly $120,000 as monthly fees rose from about $4,200 to $6,600. The family grappled with Medicaid limits and private‑pay options, underscoring the emotional and financial toll of elder care. The piece emphasizes planning ahead—maxing HSAs for long-term care, completing advance directives and wills—and being prepared for steep private-pay costs.

Encephalitis Survivors Face Widespread Psychiatric Sequelae
health23 days ago

Encephalitis Survivors Face Widespread Psychiatric Sequelae

A global meta-analysis of 101 studies including over 4,700 encephalitis survivors finds psychiatric and behavioral problems—most notably depression (~27%) and anxiety (~20–23%)—are as common as neurological deficits like memory loss or seizures and can persist months or years after recovery, regardless of infectious or autoimmune cause. The findings reveal a care gap with few standardized long-term mental-health follow-ups and call for routine neuropsychiatric screening and integration of mental-health services into standard post-encephalitis care.

Tiny House Next Door Helps a Daughter Cut Dementia-Care Costs
personal-finance1 month ago

Tiny House Next Door Helps a Daughter Cut Dementia-Care Costs

Facing rising assisted-living bills that were draining her mother’s savings, Lori Bufka in Arizona moved her 88-year-old mother with dementia into a 700-square-foot trailer next door, creating a cost-effective, near-home long‑term care arrangement. The setup costs about $500 a month in rent plus modest utilities, with caregiving shared with her partner. Tech like JubileeTV, Blink cameras, smart plugs, and Google Live Transcribe helps monitor and assist remotely, allowing her to keep her mom at home with safer conditions and far lower expenses than traditional facilities (at least for now, with hospice visits as needed).

Bringing Mom Home With Parkinson’s: A Caregiver’s Wake-Up Call
health1 month ago

Bringing Mom Home With Parkinson’s: A Caregiver’s Wake-Up Call

A California woman recounts moving her 78-year-old mother with Parkinson’s into their home to avoid a costly assisted-living facility, only to face intense daily caregiving demands, constant interruptions during work, safety risks from stairs and a large dog, and financial strain. After escalating stress, they moved her to a smaller, more communal facility with in-home support and, eventually, hospice, which provided better care and allowed the family to regain balance and quality time together.

COVID-19 Outbreak in Grant County Care Facility Causes Two Deaths
health10 months ago

COVID-19 Outbreak in Grant County Care Facility Causes Two Deaths

A COVID-19 outbreak at a Grant County long-term care facility has resulted in two confirmed deaths and over 45 cases among residents and staff, highlighting the ongoing threat of the virus. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations, especially as COVID-19 activity increases in the region.

85-Year-Old with $4M Faces Family Dispute Over Inheritance
personal-finance1 year ago

85-Year-Old with $4M Faces Family Dispute Over Inheritance

An 85-year-old woman with a $4 million estate faces a dilemma over her daughter, who has health issues and feels entitled to a larger inheritance due to past unequal treatment by her father. The mother considers various options, including early gifts or adjusting her estate plan, while emphasizing the importance of her own retirement security and the right to decide how her assets are distributed. The article advises careful planning, considering tax implications, and prioritizing her own needs.

"Long-Term Care Demand Soars Amid Worker Shortage"
health2 years ago

"Long-Term Care Demand Soars Amid Worker Shortage"

Despite increasing demand for long-term care due to an aging population, providers are struggling to find workers due to low wages, high turnover, and insufficient Medicaid reimbursement rates. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to severe staff shortages and overworked remaining employees. Efforts to improve wages and recruitment are ongoing, but the industry faces significant challenges in meeting future demand.

"Medicaid Offices Pursue Deceased Patients' Estates for Unpaid Health Care Costs"
healthcare2 years ago

"Medicaid Offices Pursue Deceased Patients' Estates for Unpaid Health Care Costs"

State Medicaid offices across the US are targeting the homes of deceased individuals to recoup healthcare costs, often resulting in hefty bills for their families. Critics argue that the program, which aims to recover money from the assets of those who relied on Medicaid for long-term care, is ineffective and can lead to devastating financial consequences for families. A Democratic lawmaker has proposed legislation to end the federal government's mandate for estate recovery, but bipartisan support is uncertain.

"Medicaid Offices Pursue Deceased Patients' Estates for Unpaid Health Care Costs"
healthcare2 years ago

"Medicaid Offices Pursue Deceased Patients' Estates for Unpaid Health Care Costs"

State Medicaid offices across the U.S. are targeting the homes of deceased individuals to recoup healthcare costs, leading to legal battles and financial strain for families. Critics argue that the program, which aims to recover funds from the estates of Medicaid recipients who used long-term care services, is ineffective and unfair. Some states pursue recovery aggressively, while others do not, and a Democratic lawmaker has proposed legislation to make estate recovery optional. However, the bill faces challenges in a divided Congress, and the original architect of the mandate acknowledges its shortcomings.