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My mother with severe dementia makes too much to qualify for Medicaid or ANY other type of gov. assistance. She's on Medicare, but it does not cover squat and we cannot afford a nursing home. I'm the only person to take care of her and am disabled myself. I'm getting caregiver burnout. Not to mention multiple other issues due to this. I need help, but how?

Medicare is health care insurance, not designed to cover room and board but does offer HHC, home health care, which is a benefit through Part B of original Medicare and provides some basic in-home care. Your mom might qualify for hospice. Choose a home health company that has a hospice division for an easy transition.
This isn’t a solution as you need more help than this but it is something that can get started right away while you work through applying for Medicaid etc.
Do you live with mom in her home or yours? personally I would use a certified elder attorney to discuss both your situations but in your area you may find great help with a social worker.
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Reply to 97yroldmom
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You can consult with a Medicaid Planner for your state of residence (since rules can vary by state).

There is such a thing as a Miller Trust. This is a financial set-up where your Mom's excess income goes into the trust so that she can qualify for Medicaid. Then, when your Mom passes, the money in that trust goes back to the state to help pay for the care she received.

But most states' Medicaid only pays for LTC and not AL or MC. LTC needs to be medically assessed by a doctor as necessary.

I agree with mstrbill to contact a social worker for your county. One or both of you may qualify for in-home services.
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Reply to Geaton777
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You need to have a social worker help you, either one from the local hospital network or from the state. Have your Dr or your mom's make a referral to the SW department. Your mother needs a nursing home, the SW will help place her there. Now, if you are using both incomes to survive in your household, you are going to need the SW to help you as well, whether it be section 8 housing or food stamp assistance, energy assistance or similar because if mom does go to a nursing home, her monthly income, SS check, pension if she has it, goes to the NH to help pay for it. O, I didn't add, your mom will qualify for LTC Medicaid if she medically needs it and it sounds like she does, that is how she will afford the NH. The SW will help with that process as well. So contact your DR and ask for a referral for a SW.
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Reply to mstrbill
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bic2006 Jan 5, 2024
what is a SW?
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