You're planning MC placement and are quoted a price of $5,000 a month. If parent doesn’t have that kind of income are there programs to assist with the shortage? If so, with who and how do you apply?
Sadly, I have found getting support from a private pay memory care facility is unheard of. I had no help applying my Dad for Medicade 2 weeks ago, despite me telling them he will be running out of funds in 60 days, unable to pay. They simply told me I would need to let them know in writing 30 days before he moves out or he will owe funds thereafter, per the length of his contract. I asked for help with arrangements to transport him to a different facility. Both the current facility and new one told me they don't make those arrangements, that's on me. He can't be in my car as he tries to get out and has trouble sitting too long; not safe for him, me, others on the road. I have to move him into a facility that will take him and has a Medicaid bed available AFTER they accept his application (won't take pending due to wait lists). It is no easy task. The past two weeks, I made 2 trips to 2 different facilities. I filled out an 18 page form for Social Security. I've sent several PDF files to both facilities to see if they will take Dad. So much red tape and people who want me to do their jobs because they are understaffed and hire uneducated individuals regarding dementia). Dad's lived in his current private memory care for 4 years. They have no issues cashing a $6.5k check immediately for his monthly rent and no shame upping his rent $175 each year in January. The minute I have questions, inquire about assistance, need doctor to facilitate a refill for him, etc. I get no answers. I'm told to call the SS department that's a 38 minuite drive away and am placed on hold for 45 minutes to speak to a human (they don't make or take appointments, just see walk-ins. Dad is stage 6.5, he can't sit long, is paranoid, won't ride in a vehicle, I have young children, and apparently I have nothing else to do all day). I have no idea how our LO's are expected to help themselves, especially those who cant remember anything that happened 5 minutes ago, and who didn't plan for their future. It's sad.
I read all of the answers and now I have the same questions you do. I am not long to be needing a place but I am going to have to find one of the answers that said they wouldn't board their dog at places, however, my dad is a veteran and I don't know if they have a place like we found for him in your State, but in Alabama there are 3 places that a veteran started called a State Veterans Home. It's a step up place that will keep you through end of life care but also a floor for MC and takes care of all of his needs. It's almost as nice as AL, he can get his own coffee and snacks, have a glass of wine, gets all of his laundry done, meals served or brought in, a lovely day room with enormous windows overlooking beautiful surroundings. The VA pays for almost all and it costs him around 300 a month!!! He keeps the rest. I'm not a veteran so... if I could, I would move there. Please check your state for a facility like this. It is a miracle from God we found it. To get an idea or maybe they could give you a place to start looking, it's called The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home and there are 3 here. Look them up online for anyone on the forum that may have a vet that needs a fantastic place that will not leave them destitute. (There's a waiting list)
That should be one of the questions you ask, at the time of the tour or visit. Some places will force you to move as they do not take Medicaid, some places require you to be there a certain period of time at full pay before they will take Medicaid and others will take you immediately with Medicaid. In addition, there might be some state programs other than Medicaid that will help you with the cost.
Another good question to ask is whether they will take care of you until end of life. Some places are only licensed to give care to a certain level and after that, you need to move to a different place.
It depends upon the state, the licensing and the way your state administers/runs the Medicaid program.
In California, it's all out of pocket, unless you want to try to get MediCal. They are doing away with asset limits January 1st so the demand will increase exponentially. The facilities that take MediCal are places that are the lowest of the low. You wouldn't board your dog with them. Plan on using all of the assets and when exhausted refuse to pick the PT up and they become a ward of the state.
Where my BIL is in Iowa Medicaid does pay for memory care in a nursing home. He pays the nursing home his social security minus $50 plus all his pension then Medicaid comes in and pays the rest. It runs him $260 a day for care there in the NH in a memory care ward.
When my BIL went to the nursing home they helped us with getting everything set up. But I was already rep payee which I have been filling out that paperwork for Medicaid for some time now. But now its all in the hands of the NH they will fill out paperwork every year when his review comes up.
Most ALF and MC are self pay. Some few do accept medicaid. The only way you can differentiate here is to ask. 5,000 is very inexpensive in these times for MC and falls more in line with an average monthly fee for ALF. But yes, most SS isn't going to cover that.
The best thing is to get all the assets together. Then find out what CAN be afforded monthly. You will be left with the decision to apply for Medicaid or not once you know exactly what is what. Then it is to find the facility you like best that can work with you on the cost, that can be afforded.
I sure wish you the best and hope you'll update us as to what you find in your area.
It depends upon which state you live in because even though Medicaid is a federal program, it is also state funded so each state is different. But in general, Medicaid does not pay for room and board for MC or AL, which is about 90% of the monthly cost.
this is a good article that explains how it works and general options and then you have to look at your state’s requirements. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medicaid-and-memory-care
You're in Michigan which *may be* one of the few states whose Medicaid covers MC, but I'm not positive (it may cover AL). The facility admissions admin should know, a social worker should know, an elder law attorney in MI and a Medicaid Planner in MI all should know.
Was dad (or her husband) in the military? there is Aid and Attendance that she may qualify for. It is "means based" so it would depend on her assets if she would qualify. You can check with your local Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging to see if she qualifies for any services that would provide caregivers or Adult Day Programs. Any of these would help you and allow you to keep her home for a bit longer. If she has other medical conditions she may qualify for Hospice. That would give you a Nurse visiting weekly. A CNA 2 to 3 times a week to help with bathing. And all the supplies you need would also be provided and delivered. this includes her medications, incontinence supplies and any equipment that you need. You would have access to a Social Worker, a Chaplain and you can request a Volunteer that would come and sit with mom while you go out or help with other things. (they can not do "hands on care")
Another good question to ask is whether they will take care of you until end of life. Some places are only licensed to give care to a certain level and after that, you need to move to a different place.
It depends upon the state, the licensing and the way your state administers/runs the Medicaid program.
When my BIL went to the nursing home they helped us with getting everything set up. But I was already rep payee which I have been filling out that paperwork for Medicaid for some time now. But now its all in the hands of the NH they will fill out paperwork every year when his review comes up.
Prayers
The best thing is to get all the assets together. Then find out what CAN be afforded monthly. You will be left with the decision to apply for Medicaid or not once you know exactly what is what. Then it is to find the facility you like best that can work with you on the cost, that can be afforded.
I sure wish you the best and hope you'll update us as to what you find in your area.
this is a good article that explains how it works and general options and then you have to look at your state’s requirements. https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/medicaid-and-memory-care
You can check with your local Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging to see if she qualifies for any services that would provide caregivers or Adult Day Programs. Any of these would help you and allow you to keep her home for a bit longer.
If she has other medical conditions she may qualify for Hospice. That would give you a Nurse visiting weekly. A CNA 2 to 3 times a week to help with bathing. And all the supplies you need would also be provided and delivered. this includes her medications, incontinence supplies and any equipment that you need. You would have access to a Social Worker, a Chaplain and you can request a Volunteer that would come and sit with mom while you go out or help with other things. (they can not do "hands on care")