pLOG

2025-06-11

Applying for long-term care is not just a procedure—it’s a sign of respect for our elders’ lives! Here are 5 important preparations from Zhaobanwei to keep in mind.

As a professional home care support team, we accompany clients and their families through long-term care assessments every day. One of the most common issues we see is “underestimation of subsidy applications.”
It’s not that the government won’t provide support—it’s because the true needs aren’t fully reflected! Did you know that “performing too well” can actually result in fewer resources?
Here are the **5 most common mistakes that cause care managers to misjudge the situation**—all of which we’ve witnessed firsthand. Avoiding these pitfalls is key to securing the care and dignity your elder deserves!

Error 1 | The elder tries too hard to appear fine, causing the care manager to believe they “don’t need assistance.”

“My mom actually fell just last week, but when the care manager came, she pushed herself to walk like nothing happened... and as a result, we got no subsidies at all.”
Too many elders put on a brave face when the care manager visits—they don’t want to lose face or worry others—but in doing so, they end up missing out on the support they truly deserve!

Expert recommendation:

  • Before the assessment, be sure to clearly explain to your elder: “This isn’t a competition—it’s to help make your life easier.”
  • Family members should also add: “She often falls and now walks very unsteadily.”
  • Remember: Long-term care subsidies are here to support daily living, not to punish disability!

Error 2 | Failing to record falls makes all risks “invisible.”

Falls are warning signs of declining ability, but many families don’t record or mention them, leaving care managers to assess based only on what they see at the moment.

Here’s what we do:

  • Take notes of the number of falls in the past six months, including the time and place (bathroom? midnight? outside?).
  • Use your phone to record videos of unsteady walking or near-falls—real footage speaks the loudest.
  • Did the fall require a hospital visit? Is there a fear of walking? These factors can affect the subsidy evaluation!

Error 3|Being too helpful on assessment day may actually hide the elder’s difficulties.

Care managers assess the elder’s actual functional ability, but if you assist too much, they won’t see the true condition.

Please cooperate by doing the following:

  • When the care manager asks your elder to stand up, walk, or dress, let them do it by themselves!
  • Even if you feel worried, please hold back from helping—unless there’s a safety risk.
  • If the elder usually uses a walker or wheelchair, make sure they use it during the assessment as well!

Error 4|Insufficient documentation hides the elder’s true needs

Case managers aren’t magicians; they need you to provide detailed daily living information in order to accurately assess the level of disability and required care services.

 Recommended preparations:

  • Mobility: Does the elder need assistance when walking? Do they frequently wobble?
  • Daily activities: Can they dress, use the toilet, and bathe independently?
  • Memory: Do they frequently ask the same questions? Do they forget to take their medication?
  • Medical information: Chronic diseases, medication records, recent medical documents, etc.

Providing this information not only aids the assessment but also enables case managers to more accurately arrange future care plans!

Error 5|Believing Long-Term Care Myths and Missing the Right Timing

Have you heard of it?

  • "Pretending to be more severe to get more subsidies" can actually lead to being asked for a re-evaluation or even losing trust! 
  • “Just tough it out, no need to bother others,” but in the end, no support comes at all! 
  • “Just call 1966,” is not enough! A complete assessment and eligibility are also required.

Correct approach:

Provide the true situation—neither exaggerate nor hide anything.
If you feel the result is unreasonable, you can apply for a reassessment or reevaluation within 30 days!

You are applying not just for financial aid, but for “a breath of relief in daily life.”

Every assessment is actually an opportunity to have your elder’s needs recognized. Don’t let wrong decisions make you regret later!

Quick Recap of Key Points:

  • Have elders honestly show their true condition; don’t let them overexert themselves!
  • Record falls and daily difficulties to make risks visible.
  • Avoid helping on the assessment day; let the elderly demonstrate their abilities themselves.
  • Prepare medical and daily living information to help the care manager get a complete picture.
  • Don’t believe rumors—apply when you should, and advocate when it’s needed!

Helping your loved ones receive the care they deserve — you’re just one step away.