My Dad is 87 yrs old and has dementia. My mother is trying to take care of him but she is 84 herself.

He has medicare and Horizon NJ Direct. Would he be entitled to intermittent home health care or an adult day care center? He has a pension but that money pays for the bills of the house.

7 Comments

 Print

Email Email

 
 
 
  •  Comments 1 to 7 of 7 
 
 

sylvester18

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

Call your local Health Department, they will send out a Social worker to talk with you and them about different services that are available to the elderly.

 
 

e955

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

I tried that. They are extremely nasty people. I even went to the town council about it to no avail. When my dad was in the hospital recently I went to the social worker and she couldn't help me either. Medicare gave him 6 weeks of therapy. That's it! Any other suggestions?

 
 

sylvester18

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

Anybody can go into adult day care if they are not combative , BUT, it costs you. You need to talk to THEIR boss, whoever you talked to at the health department, you were given the brush off it sounds like. Me? I would have never left the office until I had answers THAT day. Your Mom being 84 and trying to attend to her husband's needs is just asking for health problems. There are programs like, meals on wheels, maid services, which both you have to pay for, and would be a great help to her. BUT, if you think your Dad needs to go into a nursing home, then you really need to investigate a number of them, lawsuits, if they are understaffed, etc. Check their records and don't be shy about it. Ask to talk to the director of the nursing home and get the information you need. Also go online to check the places out. If you do decide to place him, to get financial help from Medicaid would kick in if your Mom and Dad's income falls below a certain dollar amount, in Illinois, I believe it's 22,000 dollars a year. If it is below your State's dollar amount, Medicaid will pick up most of the nursing home care and your Mother will still be able to collect both of their pension to keep the home running and for her needs. She will have to pay the remainder of the monthly care, whatever Medicaid will not cover. And it isn't very much at all.
I hope this helps.

 
 

MiaMadre

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

Also.. if your father was a veteran, he will most likely qualify for AID AND ATTENDANCE if he meets the guidelines.

the VETERANS AID organization has guidelines for this resource.

 
 

AlzCaregiver

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

e995...sounds like you are close enough. Step up to bat to help your parents in a big way. Big. Way.

 
 

e955

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

Thanks MiaMadre,
I didn't even think of that. He is a WWII veteran. I'm calling now.

 
 

MiaMadre

Give a Hug

Sep 24, 2010

Don't be too surprised if you call the VA and they are NOT aware of this benefit!! (Scary but true).

Do a google search for the website for
The Veteran Aid Organization and it should list an ORG website that will tell you how to proceed!

 
  •  Comments 1 to 7 of 7 

Add Your Comment

Please stay on topic or start a new discussion.

Find Senior Housing And Care That Fits You Needs

I am looking for:
Search location:











Housing


Care


Join the Discussion

Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers

 

Like AgingCare.com on Facebook