SelectQuote is committed to helping individuals find affordable and convenient supplemental Medicare coverage. We’re also dedicated to helping Medicare beneficiaries locate the resources they need to live independently and safely in their own homes. Part of that independent living may require regular assistance from a caregiver who is often a friend or family member.
These (often) unpaid caregivers dedicate much of their time and energy to helping their loved ones age in peace; in fact, according to a recent study, nearly 75% of retirees prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. If you’re someone who acts as a caregiver to a Medicare beneficiary, we want to take a moment to share our appreciation with National Family Caregivers Month.
What is a family caregiver?
A family caregiver is someone who either lives full-time or or regularly looks after an elderly, sick or disabled person. Caregivers are often thought of in terms of children, but they are increasingly becoming common as the population ages. As our parents and grandparents age, they require more frequent and constant touchpoints of care; in many cases, adult children of seniors may feel the need to step away from their career or other family responsibilities to help care for their parents.
Caregiving for seniors and disabled can be as basic as regularly checking in to ensure meals are eaten and medications are taken to around-the-clock care, especially for those with dementia or other debilitating health conditions. Because around-the-clock care can be so expensive, many caregivers who are also loved ones often do the work as unpaid labor.
Medicare will pay for in-home health care under Medicare Part B, but this financial assistance largely depends on the duration, type, and reason for the care. For example, physical therapy and in-home healthcare are covered, but only when ordered by a doctor.
Help for Family Caregivers of Medicare Beneficiaries
For caregivers who take part in non-skilled home care, options are often more limited. Original Medicare does not typically pay for this kind of care, but Medicare Advantage plans can sometimes provide financial reimbursement as caregiver support.
At SelectQuote, we can often find help for caregivers as they seek out resources to maximize their loved ones’ Medicare benefits. We’re available to help guide you through the process of researching possible plans that can provide for additional healthcare and home needs.
How to Care for Your Caregiver During National Family Caregivers Month
Taking care of caregivers doesn’t just involve providing financial resources. The Caregiver Action Network provides countless benefits and support services for family caregivers as part of its family caregiver support program. Caring for your loved ones as they age can be both physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important to look for opportunities for self care for caregivers as a way to reduce stress. Some of these opportunities can include:
- Finding a support group for caregivers (either local or online)
- Seek out ways to stay active and healthy
- Accept offers of help from others when possible
- Take breaks where possible
- Look for new ways to stay organized and communicate with others
Above all, it’s important for the people near caregivers to be involved, too. If you know a friend or loved one is a caregiver, do your best to regularly check in with them and offer your assistance if you’re able.
Caregivers can navigate the Medicare maze with SelectQuote
Caregiving for a loved one can often feel exhausting, and that’s without dealing with the complexities of Medicare. If you have questions about your loved one’s Medicare coverage and want some assistance, we can help.
Whether you’re helping your loved one get enrolled in Medicare for the first time or are shopping for new or different coverage as part of Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), we can help.
