My Dad is 91 and has been in an Assisted Living Facility in New Jersey (very close to us) for the past year. He is running out of money and we hoped to have him approved for Medicaid and staying in the same facility. He is pretty self sufficient except for frequent bathroom accidents and no short term memory. I gathered information for Medicaid and went to an appointment. Turns out that Dad is $200 over the limit with his Pension and Social Security. Well, he may be over the limit but he does not make enough to stay in the Assisted Living. They could only suggest that we still apply and he would have to be moved to a Nursing Home under some "medically something or another". My heart is just breaking. I can't imagine him being moved at this point. His memory is still good (except for short term) and he has adjusted to his new living arrangements. Physically he is strong and mobile. Even has a girlfriend there. Any suggestions? Are there any grants, etc.? I have already spoken to the Office on Aging in our area and they had no suggestions. He lived with us for 8 years before he was placed and taking him home is not an option for us. I'm just desperate and want the best for my Dad. I would appreciate any and all suggestions.
we faced a similar situation with my mother...the only other assistance we were able to get was because my father was an active war time veteran....if that applies in your case, contact your local veterans services.
Medicaid doesn't pay for Assisted Living...THe only small possibility is to see if there is a PACE program in your area.. (if you google "PACE elderly" you'll find the site.) In Mass, in some facilities, a few beds are reserved for PACE.
Look carefully at the Alz NH's in your area. Some have units for the higher functioning patients (many can't afford the ALZ ALF).
Change is hard-- for the patient and for the caregiver--especially when you lose something that's working (my mother's beloved ADC is closing..)
Posts: 251 | Location?: brighton, mass | Registered: August 10, 2007
Hi Brightwings, I will look into PACE today! Thank you. Medicaid does pay for Assisted Living in New Jersey but you have to be below a certain limit. His AL place was all for getting him on medicaid now and keeping him in his same room but unfortunately he has $200 too much each month! 91 and never took a penny from the government (except for SS). I hate that he's penalized for this! I looking into any option that I can find. Thank you! Have a wonderful week, Elaine
What a terribly difficult situation to be in. I can understand your devastation. This is a situation many caregivers find themselves in due to the limited options for seniors with dementia. You may want to consult your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter to see if, by chance, there may be some assistance available. To find your local Alzheimer’s chapter go to http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp. In the meantime, here are some options you can consider for your father’s future care. Our Senior Housing Finder is a great resource to help you locate senior housing (http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_senior_housing_finder.asp). As brightwings suggested PACE may also be an option worth checking into.
If you do end up moving your father, when choosing a new facility make sure it provides all levels of care. This way he will be afforded a smooth transition when his care needs change. Future planning becomes essential when faced with caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Some common plans that are made by families include, preparing for changing needs in daily care, financially planning for the future, and legal document arrangement. If you need any assistance in finding services to help plan for the future, contact your local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter.
This is such and challenging situation to be faced with. You seem to be working very hard to find the best possible care and place for your Dad. Your heart breaking feelings of desperation are well understood, and I hope you will find the support and resources you are looking for.
Elaine-- I just remembered that Mass also has some medicaid beds in ALF. When my aunt didn't qualify for one (she was something like $30/mo over), I then learned that there were some PACE beds as well--that allowed a slightly higher income. She had two years in a beautiful facility. GOOD LUCK!
oops,I responded by mistake to several "to the care consultant" files. I shall pay better attention!
Posts: 251 | Location?: brighton, mass | Registered: August 10, 2007
Thank you so much Jaimie and brightwings. It's a relief to know I'm understood. I called the local chapter of the Alzheimer's association and the nice lady gave me 2 people to call. I'll have to do that tomorrow after work as it's almost 5 p.m. here. Take care, Elaine
Can you refuse his SS or ask that his pension be reduced by 200. In Maryland there wasnt an absolute limit, but all of my dads pension and ss (except $60/ month) went to the NH and then medicaid paid the balance. Have you talked to your congressional representative. There is often someone in their office whose total job is to help with medicare and medicaid. These guys were amazing helping my dad and me.
vjh, Thank you for these suggestions. I have thought of asking his pension administrator if they can make his pension less. I don't know if that's legal or if they will even do it. I think it may be wise for us to see an Elder lawyer. Also, I will find out who our congressional representative is and inquire there. There has to be an answer to this. Staying in the Assisted Living place is the best for my Dad so I pray we find the solution. Thanks everyone for the support, Elaine
