You need to get information, as much as possible! All of the above suggestions are good. You could also try asking at the assisted living facilities for direction. There must a financial resource such as Veterans Benefits, Medicare and/or Medicaid to pay for any services. If Medicaid is the only option, it's still a process that takes time. Read about POA (and DPOA) to decide if you want to be responsible. It's a BIG job. In home care may be the best option for keeping them together. And keep reading here. This site got me through dealing with my elderly Aunt whose children had nothing to do with her because she was so difficult.
Medicaid, generally speaking, is used for funding Nursing Homes. And in order to get approved for financial need and funding, you also have to establish that you can no longer perform most of your ADLs. Is either person a Veteran? If so, there are benefits they can possibly access which can assist, not fully pay for, any medical expenses for long term care needs.
They can also contact their local MediCARE office and ask about "Medicare Extra Help." Though, the amount that they may receive won't really put a dent in something like facility care.
Is there any way they can seek a home caregiver that specializes in Memory Care? It will still be private pay, unless that can qualify for VA benefits, but it is a much more affordable option, especially if the husband is still in good health and wants to continue living with the wife.
In my experience, Assisted Living is private pay UNLESS they can qualify for a Medicaid Waiver to stay there. In our state (Montana), it is very rare to get the Medicaid Waiver. And they usually go to people who are in very desperate straits (which may pertain to the couple you mention) who are not in an institutionalized living situation yet (not already in Assisted Living, as my in-laws were). Always a good idea to seek advice from your local Council on Aging or something like that.
Call your local area agency on aging and your local chapter of the Alzheimers Association. They might have advice or can direct you to someone who can help.
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They can also contact their local MediCARE office and ask about "Medicare Extra Help." Though, the amount that they may receive won't really put a dent in something like facility care.
Is there any way they can seek a home caregiver that specializes in Memory Care? It will still be private pay, unless that can qualify for VA benefits, but it is a much more affordable option, especially if the husband is still in good health and wants to continue living with the wife.
-The Delegated Daughter