Does Medicare provide extra help for me to help care for my mother with dementia? I heard they do, for at least 4hours. Help!

This is what Medicare says about home help care:

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services

Most waiver programs in the states are run by Medicaid. Would have to qualify for Medicaid for those.

Some states have waiver programs that offer different things. Some are grant programs. You should have a Council on Aging office in your state, ours is broken down by region. Contact them and see what is available.

Medicare will pay for wound care at home or some required skill nursing. They will not pay for personal assistance.

Hi Wendy. I think in some circumstances, Medicare does help. Maybe depends on Dr stating that the need is there. I don’t know the details but do know of a co-workers Dad that gets 1 hr per day of home help to assist with anything needed such as bathing, cooking, cleaning. I would suggest speaking to your Mom’s Dr as I know the process started with the Dr referral in my co-workers Dads case. Best of luck.

What kind of help do you need? Medicare won’t pay you to take care of your mom if that’s what you are asking. They may pay for physical and occupational therapy in the home as well as skilled nursing care but not in the long term, it’s covered intermittently.