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IMPinky Asked April 2022

Does anyone know, can you pay for respite care in an AL with a credit card?

It's probably not the best way, but would they accept it?

Taarna Apr 2022
Talk to the place you are thinking of using.

Llamalover47 Apr 2022
IMPinky: You should pose your query to the particular AL.

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imavent41 Apr 2022
You have to ask the facility.
I used a credit card to pay the home health care agency for my LO. I could have written checks, but I use my credit card for most purchases. It gives me an paper/electronic trail of my expenses, plus I get points. I download the monthly statements.
I have one main card & treat it like my checking account - I don't overdraw. I realize the system works only if you pay your card in full every month.

purplebadger Apr 2022
Helpful idea---- some credit cards allow you to get $$ from certain ATMs and banks! If they care facility uses QuickBooks, QuickBooks allows them to send bills through emails and you can just pay online with the credit card! That's what I usually do! Good luck and God bless!
IMPinky Apr 2022
Thank you purplebadger!
Isthisrealyreal Apr 2022
The rules have changed and now businesses can charge fees for using your credit card.

I would expect a 3% charge for using one and if you don't get that, yahoo!

MJ1929 Apr 2022
Some places take credit cards, and some don't. My mom's first place did, and I made a ton of money on cash back points. The second place wouldn't take them.

It costs a vendor about 2% to take credit cards, and most nursing homes don't have enough transactions to make it worth it.
IMPinky Apr 2022
Thanks MJ, that's just what I wanted to know!
BarbBrooklyn Apr 2022
Pinky, I'm so sorry for all the complications of VA A and A.

Are you working with a CELA level eldercare attorney who can explain mom's options?

Your first obligation, in my view, is to your husband, not his mom. Use some of that good credit of hers to get a consult with an attorney.

You and SIL need to stand firmly together and tell mom that you both are burnt out and needed at home.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but what is your husband going to do if YOU die?
IMPinky Apr 2022
Exactly, Barb. To say nothing of my own health concerns. I just haven't had time to concentrate on getting my bad eating/exercise habits overcome, not to mention increasing stress and some depression creeping in. The attorney is not a bad idea. I feel like a lamb going to the slaughter trying to navigate all these things I've never done before. Thanks for your input.
AlvaDeer Apr 2022
Ask them. Rules vary with varying facilities.
IMPinky Apr 2022
Thanks Alva.
BarbBrooklyn Apr 2022
I think that's a question for the business office of the AL.

I just read your profile. Why aren't you applying for Medicaid for your MIL?
IMPinky Apr 2022
I'm sure we will be. I am just trying to expedite things by using a 2 week to 30 day respite as a trial. She's been making us crazy, one minute saying she will go into a facility, the next there's no way she's leaving her home.
Tomorrow I'm calling facilities and making appointments for tours. She's willing at the moment because she's been unwell and everything is hard. We are also refusing to give up MORE of our time to support her stubbornness. So she's acutely feeling the pain. I wanted to strike while the iron is hot. Her current income has to pay her home expenses, food, gas, etc. until she leaves her home. Rather than try to juggle bills I thought if we could just put it on the credit card, we could take a little time to figure it all out. She has great credit.
I just thought someone here might have experience with doing that. I will ask the question of the facilities when I speak to them. I suspect some do and some don't. Just wanted an idea if it's a strict no no.

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