Mom has Alz. 86 yo Dad has cancer and has been her CG. Mom's sleep cycles have reversed. Paying for overnight CNA so my Dad can sleep as Mom is agitated, in/out of bed, confused, delusional, etc. They had enough retirement money to live until 90 *but* not to pay for dementia care or extensive care for either of them, really. As we all know, it's exorbitant. They're burning $6300/month for overnight care. They'll be out of money in a year at this rate. Actively working with geriatric team to try to get the sleep cycles back with hope that if she sleeps 5 - 6 consecutive hours, my Dad can take care of her and CG can switch to days. Right now, though, a professional absolutely needs to manage her.
Think I understand the basics of Medicaid. Problem as I see it is they have to spend the bulk of their remaining money before they quality *but* they don't own a home to 'keep.' If my Mom needs placement, Medicaid will cover that, but my Dad, as the community spouse, won't have anything to live off of beyond his ss and since he doesn't have a home to stay in, nowhere to live? There's senior housing here but with a 12 - 18 month wait list. If we can keep her at home and they can live together, Medicaid will cover care for her in the home but they still won't have enough money left to cover rent.
Am I understanding Medicaid? They don't have life ins., veteran's benefits, or LTC insurance. Both had been extremely healthy until the last two years and other than their respective, primary diagnoses, are otherwise healthy; I think this will go on for years.
Have three siblings but my husb. and I are local (chose to have them move near us 1.5 years ago 'in case' they needed help, which we did eyes wide open knowing they would). Two sibs could financially contribute, as can we, one sib can't. Hasn't been great, though, trying to get them to understand our parents' situation. My brother recently announced after a three day visit "I don't see any of the sundowning." Meanwhile my Mom has developed a slew of dementia-related behaviors documented by an entire care team.
Am I understanding Medicaid correctly? I've talked to the county social worker but it seems quite complex. Thought I'd check in with others' experience. Unless I'm missing something, I'm thinking we're going to have to provide housing or funds for housing. Thanks for any insight. Sorry so long.
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Rn, my Mom really doesn’t need nursing care. Just supervision overnight as she’s a fall risk with her sleep cycles currently in upheaval .
i just haven’t come across anyone whose community parent doesn’t own a house to live in if/when Alz spouse goes into care. No doubt they exist:) . Just don’t have a roadmap to follow between my friends and clients who’ve walked this road.
thanks!
I think I will go to an elder care atty. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the expense as they don’t really have assets to protect. Thx for the help.