My mother has never worked in her life, how do I get her the help she needs? She is a safety risk she forgets to turn off the stove, has fallen out of her bed twice already, leaves the water running, among other things.I live close by like 15 minutes away by car. I currently pay her rent, utilities are included in the rent. I cover all of her expenses which I do not mind, but looking at AL prices I cannot swing that. Her status in the country is difficult. She is not a citizen. I am afraid to go to a lawyer or try and apply for help in fears it will cause her issues. I was born and raised here in the states. I have reached out to care advisors but have told me private pay is my only option. I cannot afford that, I have spoken with the social worker at the hospital, but they have told me her inability to pay and lack of insurance will make placement impossible.
Is or was your mother married? Can she claim benefits from your father's social security record? These are called "spousal benefits" and do not effect the benefit that he receives.
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid were established by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. It divided immigrants into two groups: qualified and non qualified. Generally, only qualified immigrants are eligible to receive Medicaid."
source: https://healthcareinsider.com/if-im-not-a-u-s-citizen-can-i-still-be-eligible-for-medicaid-90819
You don't say what your state of residence is or her age, as Medicaid is governed by each state so may have differing rules. I imagine states like CA, OR and WA may have more resources earmarked for people in your mom's situation. Does she speak enough English so that even if she did go into a facility she can be understood?
Talking to an immigration lawyer may help you find out if she can still apply for citizen status. Or you can just call and pose your question in the form of "hypotheticals". I'm pretty sure they won't report her.
Thanks for the info.
I think an immigration lawyer is your first best step.
She hasn't contributed to the system and isn't entitled to any benefits from said system.
Since she has obviously been here decades and decided not to even learn the language or take advantage of the Bush amnesty, what needs to happen for her to get care in her country?
Is there still family in your Mom's home country? We often see elders return to the care of children still in the home country in order to have the help they need in aged circumstances.
I am afraid were we in other countries without a status we would likely be in the same situation.
I hope you will update us on any help you find, as that information may help others on Forum. Your Mom is going to need access to medical care. In emergency situations, and given she has no resources to pay, she would be treated in ER. They are not allowed to check immigration/citizenship status. Were she in the hospital you would access Social Services at that time to see what care is available to her once Emergency needs are over. Bills from ER wouldn't be collectible if she has no money; this is why our hospitals, ERs and medical systems are currently such a problem and in such deep do-do. Or one of the reasons.
Best of luck in finding the best care you can for Mom in these circumstances.
I also agree with the suggestion to contact an immigration attorney. Check your state bar's online site or your local county bar association to find immigration attorneys in your area, but be sure to visit their web site and do background research before contacting any. You want to make sure the individual has experience in the area you need. Some focus more on establishing citizenship than providing insights into medical support.
You might also consider contacting the consulate for her country of birth to determine if there could be any other sources for help.
Is there any particular reason why she didn't become a citizen?
If she had a Green Card she could receive Medicaid. My MIL was in this country for almost 70 yrs and never chose to become a citizen. She received SS and Medicare from her husbands work credit.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this.