Ever since the Mozaic at Home program started in 2011, many excellent questions have been asked and statements shared by individuals who were exploring the program for themselves, family members or clients. Since people in like situations often have similar thoughts, we thought it would be beneficial to share these questions and statements, along with our responses.
1. Do you have any experience providing care yet?
We have provided thousands of hours of service to our members. Many of the services that we are presently providing are temporary in nature while our members recover from an illness, surgery or other setbacks. These services include both home based and facility based care. However, we are also providing care to Members in their homes that they will now be receiving literally for the rest of their lives. We recommend that you speak personally with some of our Members. They will be happy to share with you their experience being a member of Mozaic at Home and receiving services.
2. How do I know you will not go bankrupt?
It is impossible to guarantee or predict what will happen in the future. Mozaic at Home is a subsidiary of Mozaic Senior Life (our parent company) and has its full support and backing. Mozaic Senior Life has a multi-decade track record of commitment and service to the local community. Being part of a not-for-profit organization allows us to maintain our focus on our mission statement, without being influenced by stockholders and/or profit driven owners. In addition, the Connecticut Department of Social Services regulates our program. We are presently in line with our long-range business plan and can look to similar programs in the country and feel comfortable the concept is working financially.
3. Is this like insurance?
In general terms, the concept of protecting your assets can be considered insurance. However, we are a not-for-profit healthcare organization and our program does not fall into the insurance category. We are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and considered a Continuing Care Community “without walls”. In addition, our program is more comprehensive than insurance and focuses not only on preserving assets but also providing and managing services for our Members for the rest of their lives. We strive to develop close relationships between each Member and their personal care coordinator the day they join our program. This is one of many reasons Mozaic at Home is unique compared to long-term care insurance. We concentrate on quality of care, quality of life and giving the members peace of mind.
4. What if I think this program costs too much?
A statement such as this depends on one’s point of view. If you compare the dollar investment into our program with the amount of services we offer to our Members, you will find the cost to be inexpensive. We understand everything is relative to a person’s own financial ability. However, if someone has the resources to invest in their future long-term care now, Mozaic at Home is one of the most cost effective options available. It is important to determine the long-term return on any investment to fully realize its value. Something seemingly less expensive today could in turn be much more costly in the future when services are actually being utilized.
5. What if I cannot afford this program?
Everyone’s financial makeup is probably different, and there are situations where someone will not have the resources to invest in our program. However, many individuals who have the ability may not realize the importance of planning for their future long-term care now. Potentially the most expensive investment we may make in our lives is when we need long-term care. The benefit of investing in a long-term care plan today will be protecting your assets for the future. Often it is necessary to do a thorough financial review to truly determine if someone can afford becoming a member of Mozaic at Home. After the financial review, many people are surprised to find they do have the financial means to invest in our program. In addition, they find the process to be enlightening and it gives them a better understanding of their own financial capabilities.
6. What happens if I move to live near my daughter in Boston?
The good news is that Mozaic at Home is portable, so your benefits are good out-of-state too. Skilled home health care (aides), homemaker, companion, emergency response system, meals, adult day care, and facility-based services are all covered through our portability benefit, whether it’s Boston or Boise. Your coverage amounts and levels are the same out-of-state as they are in-state, so considering that Mozaic at Home fees are designed to cover long-term care costs in Connecticut, which are among the highest in the country, you should be well-covered wherever else you move in the U.S. The portability feature is also beneficial for members who live part of the year out of Connecticut, such as those who are snowbirds. They are also covered in the location where they spend a few months out of the year.
7. I am not ready yet. Can I join when I get closer to needing services?
We have spoken with many individuals over the years who were sorry they did not put a plan in place earlier, because now they need help and as a result are ineligible for these types of programs. On the other hand, rarely are they sorry that they made that decision when they did, whether that was becoming a Member of Mozaic at Home, purchasing long-term care insurance, or moving into Independent Living.
If we had a crystal ball, we could all determine exactly the perfect time to make this decision and join a program like Mozaic at Home. Most of us have heard stories of a friend or family member who was just fine, but then one day they fell or became ill. If you wait until the time you need services or even until the time you are close to needing services, your options can become very limited. Options like Mozaic at Home, insurance, and independent living all have eligibility criteria that exclude individuals who already need care or are close to needing services. Unfortunately, many people will wait until there is a crisis before a decision is made. Not only does this limit your choices and take away your control in making that decision, but it could also compromise the quality of care you receive and be much more expensive in the end. It is never too soon to make this decision, but it can be too late.
8. Can't my children (or friend) take care of me?
Although friends and family have wonderful intentions in promising to take care of us, the reality is that it can be an emotionally, physically and financially exhausting job. Times are different today. Families may no longer live on the same block or even in the same town or state. Many of our adult children have dual income families and a list of after work and school activities for their family that’s a mile long. Their good intentions may not be realistic. Many individuals who have become Members of Mozaic at Home joined because they did not want to burden their friends or family, but at the same time did not want to leave this responsibility to a complete stranger. Members of Mozaic at Home feel secure in knowing that their care coordinator is someone they trust; who will work with them as an advocate to ensure they receive the care they need.
9. I can understand needing this if my spouse was gone, but I do I need this now?
For better or for worse, you promised to be there for each other and take care of each other. However, what if your care becomes too much for your spouse to manage on his/her own? What if you both become ill? Wouldn’t you feel better knowing that your spouse had a plan for the future if you were no longer there? If one or both of you needs care, you can feel secure in knowing that you have our professional team working with you as your advocate to help you stay together in your own home for as long as possible. You no longer need to worry about who you will turn to for help or where you will go if you can no longer remain in your home. In addition, Mozaic at Home gives you financial protection against the skyrocketing cost of long-term care. Caring for your needs won’t drain your resources leaving your spouse impoverished. You and your spouse deserve that peace of mind.
Contact us to learn more about Mozaic at Home.
Call 203-365-6491 or email mozaicathome@mozaicslm.org.