I am not a caregiver.
I am a 71 year old woman who is suddenly getting many issues and medical diagnoses, including stage 3b kidney disease and bursitis of the knee and hip which is giving me a lot of pain when mobile. I also have bipolar disorder, but can manage this with the local clinic's help at the moment.
The problem is that I have no family whatsoever in this country and I can't expect to rely on friends should any of these problems worsen and leave me unable to take care of myself. At present, I am very lucky to have free services from the local Department for Aging and Disability but this is not reliable with regard to non-skilled workers who either turn up or they don't, and I don't see myself being able to rely on them for any skilled nursing care in the future. I have tried a lot of different agencies, but they only pay minimum wage so cannot keep their staff.
My income is small, $20,400 p.a. at present (depending on the exchange rate seeing as one of my pensions comes from my work in England). I have Medicare parts, A,B,C and D and have taken care of other services like Medic Alert and future Meals on Wheels. However, I understand that Medicaid will not pay for any long-term care because my income is 'too high' according to them, but when I look into private facilities, my income is far too low. I have very little savings and am having to dip into them quite often these days to pay for various emergencies. I seem to fall into the gap.
I am researching all this for the future when I may indeed be more incapacitated and unable to care for myself. If you can give me any help with this I would be very grateful.
Sally
You are so wise to plan ahead! Welcome!!
i agree with Marcia above- in my state (Pa) there are 55+ retirement communities with transportation, elevator buildings, excellent amenities, and doctor offices across the street. The residents all look after each other. This might be a great place to start, and if your needs arise, you can apply through the corporation for the aging for a financial and needs assessment for Home personal care assistance.
I don't know if your income is too high - but I'm thinking that your savings are probably still too high for assistance, anything over $2000.00 is considered too much money.
I was advised that Medicaid will assist you in approved spending-down to become eligible for assistance.
Asking questions is the best First Step you can take.
You can and probably should consult an Eldercare Attorney that can help set up the papers that you need to also ensure that your wishes are followed.
You should also look at a P.O.L.S.T. this is a document that is more detailed than an DNR it will give medical personnel the information you wish to convey if you can not articulate for yourself. (either at the moment or permanently)
Another thought..decide at what point you will no longer get treatment for your kidney disease. You would at that point probably qualify for Hospice and would get great service from them. There are other conditions that would be considered "life limiting" and may qualify you for Hospice. It does not have to be a diagnosis of 6 months or less in all cases.
Low income senior housing is a possibility and if you are working with a Social Worker try to get them to advocate for you.
Great that you are looking ahead.
We too had to "spend down" "mom's money (savings"). But we needed to do it correctly as you will need to look into this carefully. It is hard but here are a few areas we took care of. We Pre-paid for her funeral expenses, that way you are in control of your burial and how it is paid for. Most funeral homes will set up an irrevocable policy that can be used at their funeral home or at any other home you choose. Other things are "daily living" type home renovations. We installed a a shower and had the tub removed so she didn't have the trouble climbing in and out to bathe. Also Paid for lawyer for her updated will. These are legitimate type expenses. As you a trying to plan ahead some remember getting Medicaid takes many months and your savings need top help you through those months too. If you have a good Church home I would suggest speaking with your pastor and get their thoughts too. I spoke with mine at Bible Fellowship Church
Blessing to you all (Sally and anyone who looks to these areas) This is hard as we are going through it now
See All Answers