Listed are the different levels of care so that you may better understand what type of care may be needed. The terms listed below are meant only to be a tool when considering long term care. 

Definitions of Care

Acute Care:
 Refers to hospital care. When someone requires immediate care, such as an emergency room or inpatient care for a short period of time due to accident, illness, and surgery or rehabilitation services.

Skilled Nursing:
 Care refers to 24 hour licensed care that will be provided by Registered and or License Vocational Nurses, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Therapists. Medicare Part A, Managed Care, Medi-cal and Private pay, covers payment for Skilled Nursing care.

 Medicare and Managed care will only pay for Skilled Nursing Services based upon certain guidelines determined by Medicare of services needed. Medi-cal will only pay for services based upon level of assistance a person requires to qualify to remain in a skilled nursing setting for Custodial Care.

 Rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are also covered under your part B Medicare if services continued to be needed after your Part A or managed care benefit has been determined to no longer meet the guidelines that Medicare requires for part A benefits.

 Medicare Part A benefits pay for all services in a skilled nursing facility but only for a short period of time. Medicare or Managed Care does not pay for Custodial Care in a skilled nursing facility.

 Some Managed Care providers will pay for respite care (short term) in a skilled nursing facility. Hospice Care is also covered in a skilled nursing facility based upon patients current medical status and is determined by Physician and Hospice Team for short- term care.

Assisted Living:
 Assisted living provides seniors with the ability to remain independent with additional assistance when needed in a larger environment where many activities and programs are available to choose from. Housekeeping, meals, special diets and other services are also provided.

 Daily Activities of Living assistance is provided on as needed bases. Assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management and incontinent care provide for seniors needing extra care. . Scheduled transportation is provided for shopping, doctor's appointments and special events. Many choices abound in the Orange County for Assisted Care. Prices vary depending on level of care needed to location of facility. Special waivers are in place to provide for Dementia care, and Hospice care in some assisted living care facilities.

 Medicare or Medi-cal does not cover the cost of assisted care. Some Long-term insurance plans however do cover some or all of the costs for care, depending on policy, terms and conditions.

Assisted Care Facilities for Dementia:
 Assisted care for persons with dementia, Alzheimer's, and memory related disorders provide a special structured program, which is so important in the special needs of persons with memory impairment. 

 Many strides have been made with such facilities and units within larger assisted living programs as well as smaller Board and Cares are now available in all cities within Orange County area. The Alzheimer's Association has been instrumental in providing education, training, support and guidance in the programs for persons with dementia as well as support for families and friends. 

 Medicare or Medi-cal does not cover services for Assisted Living Special Care units, however Special Care Units within a Skilled Nursing environment are covered by our state ran Medi-cal program in facilities that participate in the Medi-cal program if guidelines to qualify are met.

Board and Care Homes:
 Board and Care Homes are small 6 to 15 bed residential care facilities that are licensed by the Department of Social Services to provide a supportive environment in a home setting for persons who may need closer supervision. Caregiver to resident ratio is 3 to 1. All meals and special diets are followed, as well as medication management, assistance with dressing, bathing, and incontinent care. Transportation is provided by most facilities to doctors' appointments and special outings. Board and Care Homes are located through out the Orange County area in residential neighborhoods. Special waivers are provided to facilities to provide for Dementia care, and Hospice care. Prices vary based upon level of care and location of facility. Some homes also provide for seniors receiving SSI. 

 Medicare or Medi-cal does not cover the cost of Board and Care. As with assisted care some Long-term care insurances does cover the cost for Board and Care based upon policy terms and conditions.

 The selected facilities Care Pathways has listed exemplify the diversity and range of care available to Orange County seniors. We urge you to visit the facilities we have listed to better understand long-term care and the choices you have when choosing a care facility.

 Care Pathways has simplified this process in providing information and visual tours of facilities we follow at in the Orange County area. We urge you to always discuss with your physician any health concerns or questions regarding your medical care. 

 Care Pathways Social Workers are available to assist along with your care providers, assessments both in home and in hospital when long-term care may be needed. Please call Care Pathways for more information.