Personal Care

As seniors age, personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and managing medications can become more difficult. Over 40% of seniors report struggling with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), such as bathing or dressing, and 1 in 3 older adults experience falls each year, often due to the inability to maintain mobility or balance. Without proper support, these challenges can lead to neglect or mistreatment, impacting seniors' ability to live independently and maintain their health.

The challenges of personal care

Many seniors struggle with personal care for various reasons, including:

• Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses, mobility issues, and cognitive decline can make daily tasks difficult to manage without assistance
• Isolation: Seniors living alone may not have the support they need for personal care, increasing the likelihood of neglect or self-neglect
• Lack of Family or Community Support: Family members or caregivers may not have the time, resources, or knowledge to provide the level of care needed
• Inadequate Resources: Many seniors don’t have access to affordable personal care services, leading to gaps in care or reliance on unsafe alternatives

The risks of mistreatment

When seniors struggle with personal care, they become vulnerable to various forms of mistreatment, including neglect and exploitation.

‍Signs of mistreatment include:

• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises or fractures
• Poor personal hygiene and living conditions
• Overmedication or missed medications
• Isolation or withdrawal from social interactions

The failure to receive appropriate personal care can lead to serious physical and emotional consequences, compromising a senior’s dignity and independence.

The costs and who pays

The cost of personal care varies depending on the type of care needed and the level of assistance required. Below is a breakdown of common personal care services and who typically covers the cost:

• Home Health Care Services: $20–$50 per hour
  Includes skilled nursing, physical therapy, and in-home medical care.
  Who Pays: Medicare covers part-time or intermittent home health care if prescribed by a doctor. Medicaid may cover more extensive home care for qualifying seniors. Private insurance or out-of-pocket payments cover non-medical home care.
• Personal Care Assistants: $2,000–$4,000 per month
  Provides help with bathing, dressing, meals, mobility, and companionship.
  Who Pays: Medicaid may cover personal care services in some states, but Medicare does not pay for non-medical assistance. Many families pay out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance.
• Adult Day Care: $1,500–$2,500 per month
  Daytime supervision and assistance in a community setting for seniors needing social engagement and basic care.
  Who Pays: Medicaid may cover adult day care for eligible seniors. Medicare does not pay for these services, so families often use private funds or long-term care insurance.
• Assisted Living: $4,500–$6,000 per month
  Includes housing, meals, and personal care assistance, but not medical services.
  Who Pays: Medicaid may cover some costs in limited cases, but Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Most families pay out-of-pocket or use long-term care insurance.
• Nursing Home Care: $7,500–$10,000 per month
  Provides 24-hour skilled nursing care and assistance with daily activities.
  Who Pays: Medicaid covers nursing home care for seniors who meet financial eligibility. Medicare only covers short-term stays after a hospital visit. Private payments and long-term care insurance are common funding sources.

Medicare vs. Medicaid

• Medicare:
  • Federal health insurance for seniors 65 and older or those with specific disabilities.
  • Covers short-term rehabilitation, hospital stays, and some home health care services but does not cover long-term personal care or custodial care.
  • Limited coverage: Only covers medically necessary services and does not pay for custodial or non-medical assistance like bathing, dressing, or help with mobility.
• Medicaid:
  • Joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including seniors who meet specific financial criteria.
  • Covers long-term care services like personal care assistants, home health care, and nursing home care for qualifying seniors.
  • Broader coverage: Medicaid offers more extensive coverage for long-term personal care services than Medicare.

Shifting from risk to care

At Seniors In Distress, we believe every senior deserves to live with dignity and security. Addressing personal care risks early is essential to ensuring seniors' well-being. By taking proactive steps, we prevent neglect and mistreatment while connecting seniors to the care and resources they need to live safely and independently.

How we can help

We are dedicated to helping seniors access personal care services with:

• Finding Affordable Care Options – Navigating financial assistance programs such as Medicaid, private insurance, and other resources.
• Monitoring Care Quality – Ensuring that seniors receive the proper care and advocating for improvements when needed.
• Preventing Mistreatment – Identifying and addressing neglect, abuse, and fraud before they escalate.
• Providing Emotional Support – Offering guidance and reassurance to seniors and their families during difficult transitions.

Need personal care services

Managing personal care can feel overwhelming, especially with rising costs and complicated coverage options. Whether you need home health care, personal care assistants, or adult day care, we explain your choices, secure quality care, and explore financial assistance options, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

If you, a loved one or someone you know is facing out-of-pocket expenses or unsure what services are covered, we can introduce state, federal, and private resources that support senior care. Contact us today and visit our affordable personal membership plans to get personalized support.