Adaptive Equipment: Tips to Offset the Cost to Help Seniors Remain Safe at Home

Do you think your aging loved one could benefit from enhanced safety in the shower or tub? Does he/she need a walker or rollator to move around? If that's the case, it's very likely that you'll soon be looking to buy the in-home adaptive equipment that so many families depend on to keep seniors safe. It's also likely that you're thinking about how to cover the expense for these assistive items, and if any of them might be covered through Medicare or insurance.

Like home care services, there are several different options when it comes to buying home care supplies and equipment to keep seniors safe. Following are some of the options available to assist you or a loved one in obtaining home medical supplies.

Medicare

If the senior has Medicare Part A and is approved for the Home Health Benefit, then Medicare will cover 80% of the admissible fee for medically required durable medical equipment. If a senior is covered by Medicare Part B, he or she is not required to qualify for the Home Health Benefit, and Medicare will cover 80% of the allowable amount for medically necessary durable medical equipment.

Veterans' Administration (VA)

The Veterans' Administration is especially helpful in furnishing durable medical equipment to men and women who qualify. Veterans or the spouse of a veteran may be qualified for benefits.

Other Methods to Pay for Home Care Equipment

If an individual is not qualified for Medicare or to obtain benefits from the Veterans' Administration, there are a few other methods to help cover the expense for home care products to keep seniors safe. Below are a few tips for using long-term care or health insurance and private finances to purchase the equipment needed:

Long-Term Care Insurance/Health Insurance

If the equipment or supplies required are medically necessary, they could be partially covered by some private insurance companies. Coverage is either based on the person's insurance plan, or, if the person seeking coverage is a dependent, then the family policy should be assessed for information on dependent coverage.

Keep in mind, though, that while having your insurance provider cover some of the cost may seem like a good idea, it might be possible to find the products you need at an "out of network" supplier at a reduced cost.

Private Finances

If your senior loved one needs home care equipment that is not covered by private insurance, think about looking into equipment rental possibilities or previously owned items such as wheelchairs, scooters and accessible vans. Second-hand equipment can be found in disability publications as well as on websites such as www.Craigslist.org, www.ebay.com, and www.unitedaccess.com.

If you would like additional support either in locating or purchasing home care equipment and other adaptive devices for a loved one, contact the caregivers in Medford and surrounding areas from All Care In-Home Care Solutions today. We can provide a complimentary in-home consultation, make equipment recommendations, arrange for order and delivery, and answer any other home care questions you may have. Contact us online or call us at (541) 857-9195 and learn more about our top-rated in home care in Medford and the nearby areas. To see our full service area, click here.