By Tamra J. Fairchild-Varty, Director and Co-owner of Griswold Home Care – Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
Life has a way of changing in an instant.
While planning ahead is ideal, many families find themselves making decisions quickly—often after a fall, stroke, or new diagnosis. In these moments, emotions run high, time feels limited, and the pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming.
If you find yourself here, you are not alone—and there is a path forward. Start with understanding what’s needed. Begin by assessing what your loved one truly needs.
Do they require medical care, such as wound care or physical therapy? Or do they need help with daily living, like bathing, dressing, meals, or transportation?
This distinction matters. Medical care is typically prescribed by a physician and covered by insurance—but often only short-term. Ongoing support, especially for conditions like Alzheimer’s or stroke recovery, is considered non-medical care and is not covered by traditional health insurance.
This is where in-home care becomes essential. Support may include personal care, safety supervision, meal preparation, errands, reminders, and companionship. Understanding these needs early—even before a crisis—can make all the difference.
Meeting with a care manager from a reputable home care agency can be incredibly helpful. Many offer complimentary consultations to walk through care options, costs, and next steps.
Take your time. You should never feel pressured to commit. A trustworthy provider will encourage you to explore your options. When evaluating an agency, consider asking:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How are caregivers screened and trained?
- Can you provide references?
Quality care starts with qualified, compassionate caregivers—and you deserve peace of mind knowing your loved one is in good hands.
For many families, the financial side of care can feel overwhelming—but there are more options than most people realize.
Private Pay
The most common method, though not the only one.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one has a policy, it can be an invaluable resource. These policies provide funds to help cover care, so thoughtful planning is important. That said, when care is needed, it’s important to use the benefits. Too often, families delay out of concern they may outlive the coverage—only to realize later they waited far too long.
South Carolina Partnership Program
South Carolina offers a unique Long-Term Care Partnership Program that blends private insurance with added financial protection. For every dollar your policy pays out, you can protect that same amount in assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements.
For example, if a policy pays out $400,000 in benefits, you may retain that same amount in assets and still qualify for Medicaid if additional care is needed. This program helps ensure access to care while preserving what you’ve worked hard to build.
Learn more at: partnershipforlongtermcare.com
Life Insurance Conversions
Some life insurance policies can be converted into a benefit plan to help cover care costs, rather than being surrendered or allowed to lapse.
Veteran & Government Programs
Depending on eligibility, additional support may be available through veteran or government programs. It’s always worth asking what resources may apply.
A Thought Worth Considering…
Many seniors delay care because they don’t want to spend money that could be left to their family. It’s a generous instinct—but it can create added stress for loved ones. Putting a plan in place is not a burden—it is a gift. It brings clarity, safety, and peace of mind to everyone involved.
Whether you are planning ahead or facing an immediate need, start the conversation. Ask the questions. Explore your options. Because the goal isn’t just to find care—it’s to create stability, dignity, and peace during a time that can otherwise feel uncertain.
