My father-in-law is the caregiver for my mother-in-law who has mid set Alzheimer’s. My father-in-law is going through cancer treatments and can’t care for her right now. They have TriCare for life and Medicare. We cannot find any short-term place for my mother-in-law while my father-in-law recovers. Any suggestions?
Your father-in-law has several options for respite care:
1. Since he is a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers respite care services, either in-home or at VA facilities. He should contact his VA social worker or call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to check eligibility.
2. TRICARE for Life generally doesn’t cover respite care, but if his wife is also TRICARE eligible, she might qualify for certain services through the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program.
3. Medicare only covers respite care when the person receiving care has hospice. If his wife is in hospice, Medicare will pay for short term respite care in a facility.
4. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in his region can connect him to respite care programs, adult day services, and caregiver support resources. He can find his local AAA by calling 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) or visiting eldercare.acl.gov.
5. Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900) may have grants or volunteer respite care programs in his area.
6. If his wife has Medicaid, she may qualify for respite services through Home and Community Services (HCBS) waivers. He should check with his state Medicaid office.
I hope this helps. Wishing you strength and support during this time.
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/other-medicare-health-plans/PACE
There is also a "temporary hospice" level that provides respite care for the caregiver. "This level of care is tied to caregiver needs, not patient symptoms." I was glad when I found this one because I am often concerned what will happen if I am incapacitated.
https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/resources/hospice/levels-of-care
We have received good information from the VA. Veterans and their spouses are eligible for Aid and Attendance if they meet the other requirements. Whoever is the veteran may be eligible for various helps because of his/her issues which may be helpful for both. The VA is limited in what they can do to help a spouse, but the veteran's social worker can offer suggestions of local resources outside of the VA. The main one that is available in most states is the Area Council on Aging. They have grants you can apply for to get respite care. The local Alzheimer's Association often provides grants as well. The veteran may qualify for a limited amount of caregiver hours each week ongoing, they can do light housework which would help both.
Good luck in your research. They are blessed to have you concerned about them to look for resources.
I am not familiar at all with TriCare.
Your Mom may be self-pay and could be put into respite care, or placement while your father is unable to handle care.
Far as I know the only other option would be temporary housing with family or hired caregivers.
As said, I know nothing of TriCare, so will hope others here do, or must leave that for you to research out yourself.
With assets she will not qualify for governmental Medicaid assistance, and because she herself is not the one qualifying for care, but rather it is your Dad in need of care, this is going to be somewhat more difficult for you to research for yourself. I will wish you good luck. Do check with her MD office to see if they have any ideas for you, as well as your local Council (Agency) on Aging.
Good luck.
Check local MC facilities and ask if they do Respite and what the procedure would be. I know in my area a Doctors form stating that the person is in good health is needed as is a 2 stage TB skin test or a blood test. That can take time to get done.
This will be self pay by your parents for your mom to get care while dad is ill and getting treatment.
Call local Assisted Living facilities and ask about respite care, where I live, it is done on a monthly basis, you need a needs assessment and a current TB test.
Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.