I need help! I have to work- all of our assets are gone, we now rent, have zero savings, his net retirement is $1100 per month. I work full-time, I prepare his breakfast before leaving, leave his clothes out, snacks,etc., but he is getting more confused, has a difficult time focusing on his food, uses a spoon, does everything each of you describes of your spouses, cannot read anymore, unable to do the easiest of tasks, words are "jumbling", walks like a zombie trailing behind me, sleeps and sleeps, eye-hand coordination almost gone- I could go on and on!! He takes Effexor and Risperdal for anger and rage, which was a miracle. A few people tell me he sleeps because I medicate him, but the doctor says not so. My husband has disappeared- Each week he goes away a little more. A few days ago his glasses were broken and he didn't know why- then remembered he had fallen on a street- (while I was at work.) What stage do you think he is in? He is 61. What do I do??
I am so sorry you have this difficulty with your husband and having to work to provide for the income on top of it all. if your fiancial situation is what you describe you should maybe rethink the placement in a nursing home for him and get an attys help for medicaide to get started. sounds like he is in a more advanced stage now and maynot be able to stay alone anylonger. others may have more input for you, divvi
My situation was exactly like yours. You need to get some help from a consultant or lawyer in applying for Medicaid (Medical) in California. I paid someone to fill out the forms, because it can be quite complicated. See if you can get help from your Social Services department or Adult Protective Services or the Area Agency on Aging. You didn't say where you were located. I live in California and each state is slightly different, but from what you say, you should be able to qualify for help -either in-home care or a nursing home.
I hope you are getting medicaide paperwork started. It sounds like your husband is suffering from earlyonsetAD and you will have many years of care. I hope it doesn't happen but-if something happens that gets him into a hospital for a qualifying 3 day stay he can go directly into a NH. Once there the social worker can get him in medicaide must faster than you can. Sorry you have to join us. bluedaze
Thank you all. My husband was diagnosed by Kaiser and the VA hospital about 3 years ago. I live in California. Do you think he is ready for a NH?? I have called the VA, and was told they only offer 42 days of Respite Care. I have called Adult Aging and was referred to Medical or Medicare, but was verbally turned down on the phone, as he nets $1100 retirement and I have my net earnings of $1200 every 2 weeks, (they go on the gross amounts.) Blessings to each of you for your fast responses.
Call Julie Iseley of Medi-Cal consultants 707-537-8882. She is a wonderful resource and will talk to you on the phone for free. She charges to fill out the forms, depending on the complexity of your situation - my cost was $300. She used to work for Medi-Cal and knows all the ropes. I make about the same as you and had some assetts as well and was able to qualify my husband for Medi-Cal to pay for a nursing home. You probably won't qualify for in-home help - the income criteria is different for some stupid reason. The other thing is - you have to deal with requalification every year and she will handle that as well for no extra fee. She's one of the people that saved my life! You will probably get her voice mail, but she will call you back.
I am a bit confused about what you said about the VA. Are you saying they refused to take your husband into their nursing home on a permanet basis? So sorry you are going through all this
I live in California also, and I have been told that the VA contracts with various NH for placement for persons that qualify for NH care. Wish I could give you more info, but really don't know more at this time, but I do know you can get information from the VA that is not correct and it might be worthwhile to contact them again and talk with someone else.
I am going to take a day off from work and go to the VA again, and to Social Security and to Medical. I will also call the contact person that "beenthere" gave. I thank each one of you !!!!
Just FYI - You will probably have to pay a "share of cost" with Medi-Cal. In my case, it is my husband's SS income of $822/month. Quite a bargain, considering!
For assets less than 30,000 they take the total of SS pay - deduct 100.00 for the veteran then you multiply the remainder by .90 and that is how much you pay a month The 10% difference if for things not covered, like hair cuts etc