3 Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim

There are more than 28,000 licensed assisted living communities in the nation in addition to many more nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. These various care providers offer a safe space for older adults who need long-term care due to physical or mental concerns.

How do you know when it is time to file a claim with your long-term care insurer? Every situation, individual, and family is unique. It is important to consider your own needs and goals, consult with your primary care physician and other providers, and talk to your loved ones about how best to approach care in the future. And, strongly consider consulting a long-term care insurance claim attorney to answer questions and assist with filing such a claim. The following are some common signs that you or a loved one might need to file a long-term care insurance claim.

1. Activities of Daily Living Have Become Too Challenging

Almost all long-term care insurance policies cover you if you are unable to perform certain categories of activities of daily living, or ADLs. They include tasks such as eating, drinking, dressing, toileting, bathing, or walking or other mobility. Many long-term care policies also provide benefits if you are suffering from significant cognitive impairment that prevents you or a loved one from performing ADLs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with performing basic ADLs as identified above, it can be an indication you or they need support and thus should file a claim for long-term care insurance benefits. The care needed might come in the form of long-term care, such as moving into an independent or assisted living community. Or, it might include getting some in-home help. Having loved ones help with laundry, cleaning, preparing meals, using the toilet, bathing, getting dressed are all ways to address challenges with ADLs.

Challenges with these basic ADLs are a sign that long-term care is necessary and that you should apply for long-term care benefits. If someone is struggling to feed themselves, get dressed, use the toilet, bathe themselves or move around their home safely, they may need more supervision and assistance than family caregivers can provide, and it may be necessary to file a claim for long-term care benefits.

2. Experiencing Serious Memory Problems

Signs of memory issues or progressing memory diseases such as dementia can be a reason to consider long-term care insurance benefits. In a memory care community or nursing home, you can get the care and support you need to continue with an active and safe lifestyle.

In many cases, these communities and care providers offer activities and other services that help to sustain the cognitive function you need to stave off memory decline. Serious memory problems will often cause inability to perform basic ADLs.

3. Worsening Chronic Health Conditions

Serious chronic health conditions can require ongoing diet, medication, and exercise support. If you or someone you know are struggling to manage your chronic conditions at home or they are worsening to the point that you are at a greater risk and unable to perform ADLs, you should consider filing a claim for long-term care insurance benefits.

We Fight for Your Benefits

Are you interested in filing a claim for long-term care benefits with your insurer? Or is your long-term care insurer refusing coverage you think should be available? Reach out to the McKennon Law Group, PC. We fight insurance companies to ensure you get the long-term care insurance benefits you are entitled to.