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Here is another non-insurance subject. The focus in the
literature on LTC or LTCI seems to be on the nursing home; but the preponderance of LTC is home care -- perhaps,
85%+. In that type of care the home attendant can become one of the
most important persons in the patient's life.
So it makes sense that a list of home attendant
possibilities (for the geographical area of LTC) be prepared, based
on personal references from neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc. This
is not a sure method, of course, because there must be compatibility
that can endure 10 to 24 hours at close quarters. So there may be one
or two changes in attendants before the right match is achieved. And
what is unusual about this direct hiring is that price may have no
relationship to quality.
Probably your question is "What about backup in
case of absence due to illness or for personal reasons?" I have
seen this type of coverage work out well in the most difficult
circumstances -- when the home attendant has an extended family and friends
on whom to draw for backup in these emergencies.
So please remember to check with your reference on the
home attendant's past performance in these circumstances. Considering
the importance of the position, the list of home attendants must be
developed very carefully. Persons who are recommended by patients
and/or their families, after two to five years or more of service,
are considered almost like members of the family.
If you plan to purchase an LTCI policy, you have to make
certain that you are not required to use attendants from a licensed
home health care agency in order to obtain coverage for home care;
and the policy includes a provision allowing an unlicensed home
attendant. The hiring of the home attendant is usually subject to the
approval of the insurance company, so they can ascertain that the
home attendant is qualified to discharge the duties of the job.
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