Also called: LTC, custodial care, ADLs, activities of daily living
Ongoing help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating, at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home. Medicare does not pay for it.
Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care only for a limited time after a qualifying hospital stay, up to 100 days per benefit period, and not custodial care. Long-term care is paid from savings, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid after assets are spent down.
Long-term care insurance benefits usually begin when a person needs help with at least two activities of daily living or has a severe cognitive impairment.