My Dad had a stroke. I just couldn't make myself disclose all his financial info.to the Dept of Aging for help. My father's Medicare services (PT, OT, SP and a shower aide). The OT ended the shower assistance because she felt my dad could shower on his own. I feel he still needs help to ensure safety while getting into the shower at least once a week. He could have received services from the Dept. of Aging where they would have possibly covered a portion of the fee for home health aide service and Lifeline, but I just couldn't bring myself to give them ALL of his financial information (bank account statements, IRA's, stocks/bonds, annuities, home worth, etc.) to see if he would even qualify for them to pay a percentage. Also, they now send the financial info. to the state for Medicaid review even though he does not qualify for Medicaid. I'm feeling a little guilty that I put off submitting his information because he could use the help but will now have to pay fully out of his own pocket for Lifeline and a private aide. I don't want my father's money! I'm just having difficulty with the invasion of privacy. He isn't necessarily wealthy, but he worked hard for what he did manage to save. His doesn't have a mortgage but now has to pay rent for an apartment near my home while still paying taxes. etc. on his own. This arrangement cost less than assisted living. My house was not a suitable option.
My parents expenses were (are) paid out of their savings - they worked hard all their lives so they would have something to fall back on when needed. The children are adults and can take care of themselves. The purpose of his assets is his care.
Don't guess about what he is qualified for, and particularly don't guess about what he might need in the future. Spend a few hundred dollars to consult an attorney who specializes in Elder Law. (The specialty is critical. Don't go to your cousin who handles divorces.) Put all of your cards on the table. Let this professional guide you about whether it is useful to apply now and/or how to prepare in case you have to apply for Medicaid down the road.
Maybe it wasn't a mistake not to report everything to the Department of Aging. I don't really know. But it would be a mistake not to have professional guidance in planning to get the most value out what your father worked so hard for.
If you'd told us that he was receiving free services from taxpayers because you weren't forthcoming, that'd be another kettle of fish.
I'll tell you right now, though, if you think you're going to hide any assets from Medicaid or any other agency in order for your dad to receive assistance, that's fraud. If you're having a conversation with someone about dad's assets, and you don't tell all, no problem, If you're filling out a form that requires your or your dad's signature at the bottom? It better darned well be truthful.
If your dad owns a home, stocks, bonds, annuities, IRAs, etc. -- owns a home without a mortgage -- and can afford to pay for an apartment in addition to holding onto his home? He doesn't qualify for a free home health aid. At least I hope not from a taxpayer standpoint.
You didn't do anything wrong, but as the lovely caregivers above have suggested - please consult with an Eldercare Attorney - ensure that while Dad is STILL of sound mind -- that his will or trust and POA for Financial and POA for Medical are set up. In five year, his situation may change - i pray for the better - but at least you are prepared. The ElderCare Attorney can advise you -- prepare your paperwork [you may need to tell Dad that you are getting your done too, and thought he may want to ensure his documents are up to date]. An Eldercare attorney can also find ways or explain ways to safeguard his assets from needlessly being claimed by the state. He/she will indeed be working in your Dad's/your best interests. There is nothing more scary than "what about the coin collection ... the IRAs ... the titling of the bank accounts ... how do we safeguard assets from probate, or conservatorship [court-appointed guardian - very very expensive]. But don't blame yourself: you are better prepared with information now, and please follow through - everyone needs those legal documents - and his medical situation has simply brought the timeline moved up a bit for updating or getting those taken care. His medical needs will change in a few years, and those funds that your Dad has now, will indeed quickly be claimed by RXs, insurance, remodeling of the home as required, etc. Blessings and hugs ~
Look, I understand how it feels when one's hard-working, hard-saving, clean-leaving responsible parent seems to end up over a barrel and forced to pay high care costs; but that is what his money is for. Watch who's charging him what as closely as you like, but if there really was a clever way of economising here you could bottle and sell it.
In caring for my aunt's affairs - there IS a procedure in place where one agency sents info to another agency to coordinate needs and financial resources to see what may be available.
You must be truthful with an Eldercare Attorney -- go straight to their services and they will guide you. Any benefits obtained without necessity may be considered fraud [if info was purposefully withheld] and may require the agency providing the services to be reimbursed. Set your heart and mind at ease - your father is now your dependent, as i see it, which i why i mentioned the IRS - you may have your tax advisor look into the dependency provisions/rules.
Please meet with an eldercare attorney - they know the ins and outs and will / ought to know what is available for your Dad. It is important to begin the process with an accurate accounting of the finances and medical situation. 'Please keep accurate accounting records of expenditures that you make on your Dad's behalf or benefit, and those that your Dad makes. Save receipts too please. My name is on my Mom's accounts - she cannot write a check - but i have her sign them [i arranged for an updated signature card at the bank for her and myself when i need to pay out of her account for her needs]. i keep an accounting ledger, too [pencil and paper and affix the receipts to the pockets of the ledger.
The Agency On Aging in your state [in the phonebook or you can browse for their address] can guide you any State services for seniors. Sometimes they can also provide you with a list of Eldercare Attorneys, based on the situation at hand.
My aunt's home did not count as an asset. But yes, the others are absolutely correct -- ANY application for benefits will indeed be seen by many many eyes, and scrutinized.
One must ask or apply, "with clean hands". Even if that means being turned down now .... the financial situation may very well change in a year. And that's what the stocks, bonds, etc, are intended to do - provide for one's needs [so very sorry that you, your family and your Dad are in this situation].
If correction papers need to be filed - get the attorney's advice and help and get them filed. HOLD NO SECRETS from the eldercare attorney. Blessings and hugs ... and although reality is harsh, i think your Dad is exceedingly lucky to have you watching out for his interests, But it's OK to disclose everything ... The IRS already knows, believe me -- and that is one source do most State agencies have access to when the State seeks any Federal monies to offset their expenditures.
Sending hugs ~ did you get them?