Long-term care is a service provided to a person who can no longer satisfactorily take care of daily personal care needs such as bathing, eating, dressing, using the washroom, and moving around. One may need long-term care in case of an accident, chronic illness, cognitive impairment, or old age. Long-term care can be provided at home by a relative or a facility specializing in assisted living.
It is highly recommended to consult a certified long-term care consultant when you are planning your retirement income needs. A good example is a person who has a long term care insurance policy will see less disruption in their income than those without insurance.
A long-term care specialist is trained to assist clients and their families in finding the right long term care insurance policy and options available. Although the consultants do not provide direct healthcare, they act as facilitators and tap into their knowledge of the healthcare system and the custodial needs of an individual.
A certified consultant offers emotional relief, given the complexities of long term care. The anxieties caused by not knowing the right long term care insurance plan or route to take regarding long term care are strenuous—the services of a qualified professional ease the psychological burden.
Another benefit is helping the clients to understand state and federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. This is important as a client will get to know what is covered in each program and help make the right decision. For instance, while Medicaid covers long term care costs Medicare does not. The consultant's advice depends on the needs of the client.
Most importantly, a certified consultant helps clients plan for a reliable income through retirement. One of the fears for retirees is finances and having a financial plan that factors in long-term care insurance helps protect against financial hardships later in life. Additionally, the consultant helps clients enjoy their retirement by showing them how to spend money without depleting their savings. this can be done with the right insurance in place.
Since the consultants have access to care service providers and a portfolio of financial products, a client gains from multiple options. The consultant will also educate the clients on the various options available and help them make informed decisions. For instance, when it comes to choosing an insurance policy, a consultant will help in choosing the best policy that meets a client's needs. The consultant is also better placed to keep up to date with what is happening in the insurance industry.
Before working with a consultant, it is important to ensure they are certified. A consultant must take a course in senior-specific courses, such as long-term care laws and regulations and the overall healthcare system. Gaining real-world experience is critical, whether as an intern or shadowing experienced professionals.
A consultant can also earn a certification such as the Care Manager Certification (CMC) offered by the National Association of Certified Care Managers. The body has various requirements for certification, whether a person has an advanced degree, a bachelor's degree in a related field, or even a degree in any field.
