P.E.A.C.E. Advocacy - Meeting your longterm care needs

P.E.A.C.E was developed as an alternative to the rising costs associated with nursing home care by strongly encouraging in-home custodial care. In-home custodial care is feasible and the CPLTC policy is the means to affordably secure this end.

As a certified occupational therapist assistant, working in geriatrics, I have seen real life heartbreaking situations. The cost of nursing home care has risen an average of 9.7% per year between 1985 and 1994. “Nursing Home Costs” Nursing Home Statistics (1998). The New England Journal of Medicine indicated that 52 % of all women and 33% of all men who are now 65 will spend their last years in a nursing home (Source). “Of those who enter nursing homes, 55% will have total lifetime use of at least one year and 21 % will have total lifetime use of five years or more. “Lifetime Use of Nursing Home Care,” Kemper & Murtaugh, New England Journal of Medicine, 324 (9): 595 (1991). Consider now a superior alternative that will permit you to protect your nest egg and lift the cost burden off your shoulders and off the shoulders of those you care about most – your family!

P.E.A.C.E addresses a human desire, found in every culture, to be cared for and to die in familiar surroundings. Only 25% of Americans die at home surrounded by friends and family, though 70% would prefer to do so. . . . “Dying” USA Today, (2003). In searching for P.E.A.C.E, a CPLTC policy would –

Relieve the physical, financial and emotional burden on family and friends
Permit you to maintain financial independence
Protect your assets from exorbitant nursing home care expenses
Ensure your ability to secure quality care
Ensure peace of mind for self and family

In addition to the intangibles listed above, a CPLTC policy could provide, for example, a minimum of two years of ADL care in your home when you need it most. For middle income Californians buying a two year policy of care, with 5% compound inflation, provides an affordable benchmark. This CPLTC policy would provide the following services:

Personal care and homemaker services (24/7)
Equipment and home modification (if needed)
Care coordinator /Facilitator
Respite Care/Care-giver Training
Adult day care / Hospice services
Home health care provided by nurses, audiologists and, physical, occupational, respiratory and/or speech therapists

*N.B. While in-home custodial care is the goal, it is imperative that you understand that the insurance policies advocated are comprehensive. If by chance you change your mind and opt for care elsewhere (e.g., care in a family/friend’s home or board & care home) no changes or extra paperwork are required.

Thank you Father for the perseverance of hope through faith in Christ.
AMEN