What is Long Term Care (LTC)
Long-term care refers to a range of services and support provided over an extended period to individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to chronic illness, disability, or aging. This care can be delivered at home, in the community, or in facilities such as nursing homes, and it includes services like personal care, nursing care, and assistance with daily tasks. Long-term care aims to help people maintain their quality of life and independence when they face challenges in performing everyday activities.
Types of Long-Term Care & Costs
Long-term care can be a heavy financial burden depending on the need of the patient. Keep in mind these suggested costs are regionally averaged and some prices according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey may be more or less than what’s stated below. Contact LifeSpan CM for a detailed Plan of Care cost assessment and strategy plan.
Home Care:
In 2021, Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey revealed that the average hourly cost of home care in New Jersey is $26, surpassing the national average of $23.50. Trenton aligns closely with the statewide average at $25.75 per hour. More affordable home care rates can be found in Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton and Ocean City, ranging from $19.50 to $22.88 per hour. Atlantic City is also below the statewide average at $25.00 per hour. Home health care costs about the same statewide, except for Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton and Atlantic City, where it is $1.00 to $1.25 less per hour.
Assisted Living:
New Jersey stands out as one of the pricier states for assisted living, as per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2020. While the national average monthly cost is $4,300, residents in NJ pay approximately $2,350 more, averaging $6,650 monthly. Notably, costs vary across the state. Ocean City and areas around Atlantic City offer more affordable options, ranging from $4,945 to $5,790 monthly. Those in higher-cost regions, like Trenton and Vineland-Millville-Bridgeton, face averages between $6,523 and $7,478. Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s can add 20% to 30%, approximately $1,662, to the monthly cost.
Adult Daytime Care:
Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey highlights that adult day care in New Jersey exceeds the national average of $74 per day, costing around $88 per day. Despite this, adult day care remains one of the more affordable elderly care options. Interestingly, Trenton, known for expensive assisted living, has economic averages for adult day care at $83 per day. Atlantic City’s adult daycare cost is just under the statewide average at $87 per day.
What does LTC include?
Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a range of services designed to assist individuals facing challenges in performing daily activities due to chronic illness, disability, or aging. Long-term care is tailored to individual needs, promoting independence and an improved quality of life.
This includes:
- Personal care like bathing and dressing
- Skilled nursing services
- Home health care
- Support for activities of daily living
- Assisted living facilities provide residential care
- Memory care caters to those with mental health
- Hospice care focuses on end-of-life comfort
- Respite care offers temporary relief for primary caregivers
- Adult daycare provides daytime supervision and social activities
- Rehabilitative services aim to improve or regain abilities through therapy
- Skilled nursing facilities offer comprehensive medical and personal care
- Home modifications enhance safety and accessibility