Idaho Adult Care Homes: How to pay for, Licensing and Questions to ask…
Idaho is well-known for rugged terrain and beautiful precious stones. The state ranks high for affordability and about the middle for quality of life. 310,000 of the states nearly two million residents are senior citizens, and some may require care at some point. Often, when people think of senior care they immediately think of nursing homes. However, there are several other options for types of senior care and housing aside from a nursing home. An adult care home may be ideal for a senior who can no longer manage their health and safety in their own home, and may need care. Adult care homes are an excellent housing option for aging adults because they offer private residencies in a home-like environment and some care, though typically medical care.
The state of Idaho is home to several cities where aging adults may receive high quality healthcare: Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Nampa, Meridian, Lewiston, Pocatello, and more.
Idaho adult care homes defined
Adult Care Home or Certified Family Home
Certified family homes are private residences that provide a home-like setting, and in Washington, typically care for up to 4 residents. The care home provider will typically provide meals, housekeeping, and limited activities. Unlike a nursing home, residents may require very light assistance with ADLs. If a resident requires much more care and services, a nursing home is probably a better situation for their needs. Caregivers at an adult care home may perform several functions: personal hygiene and mobility and eating and dressing and toileting and behavior management.
Definitions and other terms in Idaho
Certified family homes are found in normal residential neighborhoods. You may drive past one each day on your commute. As you look for adult care homes in your community, it is good to know the other terms/names you may hear:
- Adult family home
- Board and care home
- Adult foster home
- Nursing Home (although this is an outdated and not an accurate term for this level of care)
Licensing and regulations for Certified family homes in Idaho
Licensing
Certified family homes in Idaho are licensed and certified by the Department of Health and Welfare.
Staffing
All employees must be certified to perform the necessary services.
Grievances
All employees are mandatory reporters and required by state law to report any suspected abuse, neglect or abandonment. Any suspected abuse may be reported directly to the Department of Health and Welfare.
Caregivers in adult care homes may assist with activities of daily living and care needs
Primary services in Idaho adult care homes are non-medical. The emphasis of services is to promote and insure safety and well-being of residents.
The cost of adult care homes (certified family homes)
The good news is adult care homes are generally half the cost of a nursing home and adult care homes can be less expensive than assisted living. But they will not have the same amenities and variety of activities.And similarly to most senior care and housing, costs will vary by location.
The average cost of assisted living in Idaho is $3,850 per month. Certified family homes are generally 15-30% less, depending on certain factors. The most effective way to figure out costs and understanding the discrepancy between different homes is to contact providers and ask questions.
How to pay for an adult care home
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community, can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
Resources and links related to Senior Living and Care
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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