Long-Term Care Resources
North Carolina seniors deserve access to services and resources that help them live happy and healthy lives. Navigating long-term care (LTC) systems can be challenging and overwhelming for seniors and families. The North Carolina Department of Justice is here to help and has created this guide for long-term care. You can download the long-term care card here. Para español haga clic aquí.
Key Terms:
If you’re in need of assistance navigating long-term care resources, chances are you are encountering new terminology. Here are some key terms and definitions.
Long-term care (LTC) is a variety of services which help meet both the medical and non-medical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability who cannot care for themselves over an extended period of time.
Adult Care Homes (Assisted Living) provide care to people who need assistance carrying out activities of daily living and supervision to people with cognitive impairments.
Nursing Homes provide chronic or rehabilitative care for people who have ailments; however, are not sick enough to require general hospital care.
Home Care Agencies provide in-home aide services to help individuals who have functional, physical or mental impairments accomplish their daily activities.
Medicaid is a joint state and federal health insurance program for low-income individuals and families who cannot afford health care costs.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities. It helps cover skilled nursing facility care and some home health care.
Want to learn more about long-term care facilities in your area?
Look through NC Division of Health Service Regulation’s (NC DHSR) list of all licensed facilities, including adult care homes, in-home care, and nursing homes.
Use NC DHSR Adult Care Licensure Section’s Home Star Ratings and Adult Care Home Violations & Penalties to make an informed decision regarding care options.
Find NC DHSR’s lists of facilities regulated by the Nursing Home Licensure and Certification Section, as well as Statements of Deficiencies for nursing homes.
Need assistance with insurance coverage?
Read NC Medicaid Division of Health Benefits’ explanation of the basic eligibility requirements and get expert guidance on Medicaid options, coverage, and assistance programs tailored to North Carolina residents. Call 888-245-0179.
Receive free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products from Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors via their toll-free line 855-408-1212. SHIIP/NC Senior Medicare Patrol can assist in discussing Medicare Fraud related issues/concerns.
Ask experienced NC Navigators your insurance questions and receive their year-round counsel on issues that arise. Schedule an appointment at 855-733-3711.
Have a concern about a LTC facility?
Submit a complaint to NC DHSR’s Complaint Intake and Health Care Personnel Investigations Section about the care and services provided by health care facilities/agencies/homes licensed by the DHSR. Call their Complaint Hotline at 800-624-3004.
Learn about residents’ rights, file complaints, and get support for issues related to long-term care facilities through the NC Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Report concerns of fraud and/or patient abuse by Medicaid health care providers to NC Department of Justice’s Medicaid Investigations Division. Call 919-881-2320.
Report adult abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation to your local Adult Protective Services.
For general information about LTC:
Explore NC Division of Aging’s state-specific information on aging services, long-term care options, and resources available for seniors and caregivers. Call 919-855-3400.
Explore Friends of Residents in Long-Term Care’s resource guides and links. They are a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of long-term care in NC. Call their Consumer Hotline at 919-782-1530.
Resources for caregivers:
Find support for caregivers, including education, support groups, and respite care services from North Carolina Family Caregiver Support Program.
Access online lessons and local events to help you navigate caregiving challenges via NC Caregivers.
Review various resources from AARP, including a North Carolina Caregiver Resource Guide.
Browse Alzheimer’s Association’s helpful information and resources for those living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Call their 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.