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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Longwood at Home?
Longwood at Home, a not-for-profit affiliate of Presbyterian SeniorCare, is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) "without walls". It provides the care and financial benefits of a CCRC for older adults who prefer to remain in their own homes. Longwood at Home combines the best features of long-term care insurance, continuing care retirement living and private care management. A full complement of in-home care and services, plus assisted living and nursing care are provided according to the plan in which the member is enrolled. Persons 60 years of age or older who live within Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties are eligible for enrollment.

Will membership in Longwood at Home protect my assets in the future?
As a member of Longwood at Home, you have a low, fixed monthly payment, regardless of the type or duration of care needed. You can preserve your assets for other important reasons - vacations, your children and grandchildren and your future. Those who rely only on traditional healthcare benefits (Medicare and supplemental insurance) often see their life savings depleted when care needs arise.

What are the cost benefits of Longwood at Home?
The investment you make in Longwood at Home is a fraction of the cost of long-term care services if you were to pay separately for all of the services included in the program. The worthwhile investment consists of a one-time membership fee based on age at time of enrollment and monthly fees throughout your membership. The following table illustrates the financial benefits of membership in Longwood at Home based on approximate costs:

Longwood at Home Cost vs. Private Pay Cost

 

 

 

 

 

Private-pay

Private-pay

Member Age

Enrollment Fee

Monthly Fee Gold Plan

LAH Cost for three years

 

Home Care three Years

Nursing Care
three Years

65

$33,342

$545

$52,962

 

$183,960

$279,225

70

$36,397

$545

$56,017

 

$183,960

$279,225

75

$43,396

$545

$63,016

 

$183,960

$279,225

80

$57,649

$545

$77,269

 

$183,960

$279,225

 

Who will manage my care needs?
“Oh, Mom, don't worry. I'll take care of you.” Your son or daughter might have said this to you. He or she means well, but is this really what you want? Most family members have good intentions and want to help, but the reality of caring for an aging parent can be very demanding and difficult. Members can turn to their care coordinator for guidance and help in finding the care that they need. If you prefer, family members may be involved in decision making, but they don‘t have to be responsible for making the decisions alone, searching for quality providers of care, managing the care, and ensuring that you are safe and happy.

What if care costs increase?
As a member of Longwood at Home, you are guaranteed in-home services, as well as assisted living and nursing care, according to the plan you choose, no matter what inflation might be in the future.

Are membership fees and monthly fees tax deductible?
As a member of Longwood at Home, a portion of fees paid to the program are attributable toward medical expenses. For example, 100 percent of the membership fee (excluding the Platinum Plan) and 74 percent of each monthly fee in 2009 were deductible as medical expenses. Members are advised to consult their personal tax advisor regarding financial and tax matters.

Is there a waiting period or elimination period for services?
Unlike long-term care insurance, members of Longwood at Home are eligible to receive services as soon as they are needed. Longwood at Home will provide services if you have a short-term problem, such as a broken hip or the flu, or if you require additional assistance on a regular basis because of aging. Services will be provided as soon as you need them and for as long as you need them.

When is the best time to join Longwood at Home?
The best time to join Longwood at Home is NOW!. To join Longwood at Home, you must be in good health and living independently at home. Planning for your care needs with Longwood at Home allows you to preserve your assets, while providing assurance of a personal care coordinator and excellent care when you need it.

For additional information, call 412-826-6100 or 1-800-260-6554.