I had been taking care of my husband for more then ten years, he has liver problems, depression, and many other problems, I'm the primary care and had to work also. how can I get some help or get pay if he is on medicare but not medicaid?"
Have you talked with his doctor about this? A number of things are available with a doctor's prescription. That is how I've gotten wheelchairs, canes, a hospital bed, home nursing care and physical and occupational therapy for my folks. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging and see what other options are available.
Yes, Agency on Aging usually can help. If he does not qualify for Medicaid, the Agency on Aging has a different set of requirements and may be able to get him on Medicaid. If not, depending on the state you live in (currently only in 31 states) there is a program called "PACE" which is great. Check that out...http://www.npaonline.org.
My dad was on Medicare and still needed help,with medical bills because he was retired and was going into the nursing home. We filled an applications for medical assistance to help pay for the nirsoping home because he had no money. He was approved and it helped to pay his bills. Into sure what state you are in but you could look into that. We are in MN.
Whatever you do, do not quit your job. My dad had Medicare only, but he had an HMO that provided a lot of additional services....transportation to doctors, recreation, hospital bead, commode, lift, etc..
Originally I did not care for the HMO, I would have chosen different doctors. But I learned to appreciate they deal with elders all day, so they have experience, and there is no way I could have handled doctors visits / transportation and maintained my job. Anyway my parents loved their HMO clinic,
If you don't think you can meet the spend down requirements to be on Medicaid in your state and still need respite, how about paying a few hours for a Caregiver each week and/or finding a volunteer visitor program in your area? Have you called local churches, non-profits that serve seniors to research what's available? A little bit of help can go a long ways for both you and your husband.
Another source would be to contact a senior center in your area. Our senior center has a list of volunteers that are available for all sorts of help. And there is medical equipment that can be borrowed if it is needed for a short term. Your church, if you belong, or churches in the area may also be able to help.
Those are where help came for my wife's parents. The county was able to provide a few hours of aid time per week and a federally-funded volunteer program under Americorps called Senior Companions was attempting to get us an aid four days a week for several hours. Meanwhile, if your dad has a "skilled medical need," then you can obtain a nurse, needed therapies, and an aid through a home health service paid by Medicare through your doctor via prescription or order. Medicaid pays for more and more easily, but this might get you over a hump.
It loiks like to me since I learned the hard confusing way about all senior help from houae help prescriptiona dr appts mobiliry wheelchairs scooters. Meals. And meal prep. Personal care..the first help was VNA visiting nurses..good for a while..then senior center for aging matters all of them legal help through them also..elder attnys..sign a financial waiver. If you cannot afford their svcs..because it gets involved w paperwork re medicare/ & Medicaid then drug plans. Pls anybody wjo wd like me to speak with you ewgarding what I have gone through in the past three years re my husband s dementia/ & Altzheimers nursing home.. money ..vna..etc .pls I may be able to help in answering some of your senior problems
Medicare pays 80% for most things, but you are on your own for the rest. Either get another supplemental insurance, get your work's insurance to cover him, or pay out-of-pocket. There are no free lunches and no one guarantees health insurance for everyone for the rest of their lives (at least just Medicare).
My dad had Medicare only, but he had an HMO that provided a lot of additional services....transportation to doctors, recreation, hospital bead, commode, lift, etc..
Originally I did not care for the HMO, I would have chosen different doctors. But I learned to appreciate they deal with elders all day, so they have experience, and there is no way I could have handled doctors visits / transportation and maintained my job. Anyway my parents loved their HMO clinic,
Would something like that help to alleviate you?
I may be able to help in answering some of your senior problems
Thanks so much for reading this