Mom is 89. She’s not complaining but, a recent trip to the dentist showed she needs a crown and root canal very soon. She does not have dental insurance and the estimate of doing these are in the $3,000 range. Her money is extremely tight as AL has gone way up this year. Any suggestions on how to pay for her dental work? I have used care credit for myself. Can I use and apply care credit for her? She is currently not complaining about her teeth. I and my sister have POA.
The dentist just wants to make more money, IMO it is ridiculous to even consider this at age 89.
Benefits Counseling
How many times have you, either as a senior or as a family caregiver, wrestled with trying to figure out what type of help was available to you? Free benefits counseling is available through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that can point you in the right direction. AAA counselors can provide answers regarding health insurance coverage, food stamps, income assistance and other free government benefits for seniors.
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And it doesn't hurt to shop around, I was told I needed a root canal 10 years ago, obviously I didn't.
The next challenge will be finding a dentist that accepts Medicaid AND knows how to handle cognitively impaired patients.
I may be in a minority that feels the teeth should be preserved (capped, crowned, implants) because eating without teeth robs elders of one of the few remaining pleasures later in life.
In other words, is eating for pleasure an us thing or a them thing? Does she really enjoy chewing or do you feel satisfied about it or both? Again I’m trying to learn, thanks.
My 95 year old aunt at the time needed work on a tooth. She was mentally intact and just opted for a tooth removal that did not impact her ability to chew.
Maybe you could look into the Veteran's Aid & Attendance that is if your father was a Veteran during time of War.
Are you allowed to purchase Dental insurance for a specific amount of time? I would speak to the dentist and see what do most people do? Good oral hygiene is important, as without it, it can lead to infection or heart issues. Also, tell the dentist if your mother is on any kind of blood thinner.
My mother has dental. It is around $56 per month. Usually you have to get a prior authorization from the dentist when anything extensive needs to be done. Maybe you could have 1/2 of the work done in 2023 and the other in 2024 when you have a new year of services.
Also, depending upon where you live. In my part of the country, the Tufts Dental School has a clinic for procedures. You pay on a sliding scale. Also, if you have a Social Worker you can speak with perhaps, they have a dentist that is a provider for income levels that handles dementia patients, as they cannot sit long. I would go in with your mother. That is what I do.
I wouldn't let it go because your mother can't tell you if she is in pain. My mother's dentist, the one she has been going to for years is semi-retiring and working out of another dental practice. The main dental provider in our State which pretty much has a monopoly--well this new practice does not take this insurance. I couldn't believe it. But, my mother's health insurance provides 2 cleanings per year. So I am sticking with the same dentist, and using the health insurance coverage for a dental cleaning. I want my mother to stick with the same dentist and it is in the neighborhood.
Everything changes and you have to find out "each year" which provider takes your insurance and what is covered. I wouldn't let this go because you don't want your mother to be in pain at 2:00 in the morning.
I hope I was of some help...it may take a few phone calls.
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