Mom has no assets .. only social security and a small pension.. less than 1500 per month total income...living cost currently is $2300 per month... Mom's needs increase everyday .. I have been moms caregiver for over 6 years. for 6 months mom has been is assisted living , but her savings is going to run out soon , I do not know what I will do....Please help , any advise as to where to get help...??
However, the first ? is does mom's medical needs rise to the level that a NH is needed?. So much focus is on the financial side of qualifying for Medicaid but the "medical necessity" is needed to qualify.
Does her current AL have a NH and does the NH take Medicaid and are there beds available? Does her AL think she is at the level to need NH care? Imho you need to have a serious talk with the social worker at the AL to see what their take is on her and her abilities. If the AL thinks she works for them to move to NH then your problems are easily resolved and she moves from AL to NH side and goes in "medicaid pending". Doing Medicaid Pending is very VERY important - otherwise you may have to prepay or private pay for her NH till her application is approved. Could be 3 - 12 mos depending on your states backlog and if there are any glitches - this could be very VERY scary expensive. I prefer to speak with the social worker rather than admissions - admissions is going to in general push the longer stay at AL as AL is the profit center for a facility.
However, if the AL doesn't think she is medically necessary for NH then you kinda have 2 issues to deal with imho. 1. get her in a waiver program -If your state does a Medicaid AL waiver program (the state pays for her AL room & board) you can have her apply for that - my mom' state doesn't do one, Medicaid only pays for NH, so I have no experience on waivers. OR 2. get her medically qualified for NH - if her current AL wants to keep her as a resident and moved to the NH side then they can be immensely helpful in working the data needed for this. If the AL is free standing or is more for-profit motivated and not willing to work with you (e.g. they are thinking you or other family is going to private pay for mom @ the AL) , then you will have to find an MD who will provide the medical needed to have her qualify that will pass Medicaid review & then find a Medicaid pending NH to move her to.
What is the scenario for your mom and the AL she is in?
Since the qualification process for Medicaid takes time, I'd call social services soon and ask about the process in your state. Start gathering up paperwork - it's a process. You can also go to www.medicare.gov and follow the links for information of qualifying for Medicaid.
Good luck,
Carol