Extra funds to help pay for Mom and Dads elder care takes some investigation. Sometimes the largest barrier to getting more help for your elderly parent is the cost of the assistance. Seniors are often reluctant to spend money on additional services when they are on a fixed income. Helping them find affordable alternatives and even extra funds to pay for additional care can give them a safe home. Involving the family is important in planning for financial decisions to assist seniors with sometimes complex requirements. Was your Dad a veteran? Even if Dad has passed away, Mom might now be able to get up to $1056 a month to help pay for in-home care or Assisted Living. The application process can be difficult for a senior to do alone. They will need a persistent advocate to help them access additional funds.
Money Follows the Person. It is possible that you can move out of the Nursing Home after a lengthy stay. Pilot program funds that help nursing home residents relocate back to independent living. The money can be used to pay for a senior moving service, buy furniture/appliances, home modification, personal caregivers even establish funds for a security deposit and first months rent. You want to contact your State Department of Aging to see if they participate in this federal grant program.
Reverse Mortgages. Having a desire to stay at home includes persons who may have equity in their home but poor cash flow on a fixed income to pay for additional care. Older adults over 62 can convert equity into cash to cover home modification or any use the older adult wishes to enhance their life. The program is regulated and a viable option for many seniors. A Reverse Mortgage Specialist is a great resource for more information.
Free Referral Services: Helping a family that does not have a plan is a difficult situation for health care professionals. Help the family focus on what you need for the next step. Organizations can provide free referral services, they help match seniors and families to a variety of senior resources. They include in home care providers and senior housing alternatives. Many other programs for specific concerns exist that can bring resources to the senior to help them stay at home or to move. Some additional examples include programs for seniors with income under state guidelines; Meals-on-Wheels, Community Care Program, Adult Day Care Programs, emergency home response, home modifications have various funding sources as well as programs for higher incomes including Respite Care, benefit check up, enhanced volume phones and local transportation programs.
Veterans Aid and Attendance: Veterans and surviving spouses of Veterans that served during specific war-time periods (such as World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and after) who need home care or living in an Assisted Living or even a Retirement Community may qualify for funds. Funding amounts for 2009 ranges from $23,396 to $12,681 annually per household. Studies show that only 25% of eligible veterans and only 17% of eligible widows participate in the program. If you know someone who needs care, encourage the senior or family members to seek out appropriate service providers to help them. Most adult caregivers feel guilty that they have to ask for help. If you are well informed, you have a better chance to reduce the stress in trying to find services for your elderly loved ones. Keep in mind that most families are not familiar with the variety of services available to them. It can really help to reach out to an expert.
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