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My ill brother stated he is struggling and needs assistance. He lives over 2000 miles away. He is in the hospital right now with suidical thoughts and doesn’t feel safe. We found out that he hasn’t taken his meds in over a month. They have him heavily sedated right now. He had a stroke 5 years ago that caused him to be disabled. Soon after, his son died of suicide and his wife divorce him. I have helped my brother financially his whole life. A few weeks ago, he stated that he was struggling and wants to move. Maybe, move in with me. Well, my husband and I said sure at the time but we have to think about the Big picture in mobility in my tiny house etc. Well, now he is telling everyone he is moving in with me without any conversation but his level of care has changed (prostate cancer, hypotension, mental difficulties, etc)
and so I set up an appt for him to request assistance from his dr thru Medicare per Internet. I dont know how that went as now he is hospitized. He has family and many friends in the area but his level of care that’s needed exceeds their abilities and mine. Can I get Medicare to help my brother as he has no advocates?

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You need to talk to a Social Worker at the hospital. Explain that at first you said OK for him moving near you but have found that his care will be too much for you. It would be an unsafe discharge to send him home. No one to care for him 24/7. That he needs to be in LTC maybe on Hospice. I would not become POA 2000 miles away. The State may need to take over his care.

Just curious, how did you think you were going to get him to your house?
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Reply to JoAnn29
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You can choose to be his advocate, without providing hands-on, live-in caregiving -- but he needs to assign you as his PoA.

The other option is to connect him with a social worker in the county where he lives right now. I would probably do this first. They won't/can't legally advocate for him but can connect him with services. They may be decide to refer his case to a judge for court-appointed guardianship -- which may be the best solution in this situation.

In his current condition, he may qualify for LTC, which is covered by Medicaid (plus his SS) and then qualifies financially (which sounds like he would). But if he's having psychological problems, then this may add a wrinkle to everything. To sort through it (and it will be messy at first) you may choose to go down there for a week or 2. You don't say how old he is... at least 65? If so, did he sign up for Medicare? If he's terminally ill, maybe explore hospice options for him.

You can tell your brother that his doctors say he needs more care than can be received in your home, and that social services says your home is not equipped to accommodate his mobility and needs. Partly a therapeutic fib, but this is ok.

Basic questions need to be answered.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Medicare won't help, he needs a case manager and social worker in the hospital to help him get on Long Term Medicaid in the state he is in. Medicaid is a state run program, not federal., and LTC Medicaid is there to pay the facility for those that cannot survive on their own. They also need to help him find an appropriate facility or care home for him to be placed in. Have you talked to the case manager at the hospital? That is the person you want to speak to.
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Reply to mstrbill
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JoAnn29 Jul 8, 2024
Medicaid is Federally funded.
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