Long-term care (LTC) refers to the variety of services designed to meet a person’s personal or health care needs when they can no longer perform everyday activities, also known as “activities of daily living,” on their own.
Long-term care can be provided at home, often by a combination of informal caregivers — such as family, friends, or neighbors — as well as formal caregivers paid for their services.
Long-term care can also be provided in a residential facility when someone can no longer live safely or comfortably in their own home or moves into a residential community to plan ahead for that possibility. Long-term care residential communities are broadly classified and regulated based on the level of care provided as independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities.
Vermont residential care communities offer a spectrum of choices for long-term and short-term residential care. Whether you are planning for yourself or a loved one, our goal is to provide factual information to help you learn more and explore your options in Vermont.
The average monthly costs for licensed assisted living and nursing home care can vary significantly based on the location and the level of care required. Here are the current estimates for 2024:
For more detailed information and average costs in Vermont, you can refer to comprehensive data resources such as Genworth's Cost of Care Survey on long-term care costs to help you understand the financial implications of different care options based on your specific needs and location. In general, Vermont's long-term care facilities are more likely to be smaller and to be based in rural communities, which can affect both cost and the level of personalized care.
The main differences between in-home care and long-term residential care are the setting and the extent and availability of services provided.
In-home care refers to services provided in your home, designed to help you live independently for as long as possible. It can include a variety of services from a variety of local providers that assist with daily living activities, medical care, and companionship.
Services Provided:
Long-term residential care provides 24-hour care in a residential setting for individuals who regularly need significant assistance with daily activities and medical care.
Services Provided:
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term skilled nursing care, typically up to 100 days, and does not cover long-term residential care.
Medicaid, on the other hand, covers long-term residential care for eligible individuals, including both custodial and medical care, but eligibility criteria and benefits vary by state. It is essential to consult state-specific Medicaid guidelines for detailed planning and eligibility determination. In Vermont, Medicaid covers most medical care and services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, vision and dental care, and long-term care in:
