In a study in the journal Health Affairs, that expansion of home-based care can save states money over the long run. The paper looked at Medicaid data from 1995 to 2005. States incurred extra cost when they spent to create new social service programs to care for people at home, but that expense, over time, paid for itself because it was cheaper to care for people at home. Policymakers often cite the "woodwork effect" as a reason to worry about expanding home-based care. This is the argument that if states provided people what they want — home-based care — then…
In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. said that the unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination. State Medicaid programs are required to provide alternatives so that the elderly and disabled can choose to get their care at home, instead of in state institutions or nursing homes. But the Supreme Court said there were limits. A doctor, representing the state, has to determine that the person is capable of living at home. The person has to want to get that care at home. And a state when considering its responsibility to move…
If a war time veteran who served 90 days active duty with one day during war time, an honorable discharge, AND have limited financial resources and gross income, the veteran can file for non-service connected pension benefits and use the cost of home care etc. to offset their total household gross income to receive the pension. If the veteran is independent, the maximium per month is $1,291.00 or $15,493.00 annually. If the veteran, also requires assistance, can qualify for up to $1,949.00 per month or $23,396.00 annually.
The New York Times article states that an increasing number of seniors who need assistance are being cared for by other seniors. It's not unusual for someone in her 80s to be cared for by a paid caregiver in her 60s or 70s. The article reports that in 2008, 28 percent of home care aides were over age 55. Older workers fill the paid caregiver role for a number of reasons. Some need the income. For some, the part-time nature of the work fits their schedule and energy level. Also, if they are receiving Social Security benefits and are under…
Senior veteran households represent 55% of the 22.7 million veterans in the United States. However, most veterans are unaware of aid and attendance benefits. We provided a free seminar on service and non-service connected pensions, recently, with over 120 people attending. Only, one veteran had heard of aid and attendance benefits, and only about 5% of qualified U.S. senior veterans are actually receiving this benefit. Veterans you need to be aware of this benefit to offset the costs of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and home care. For more information see our previous blogs, including Most Veterans are unaware that…
As the aging demographic increases, more state and national resources are being shifted to taking care of seniors Medicare, Medicaid, Nursing Homes, Assisted Livings and Home Care agencies. Consequently, as more and more residential and service organizations are formed who do you trust to take of your aging parents? We at Senior Life Care Planning help seniors and their families independent and professional advice on your parent’s needs, requirements, how to pay for care, and their goals. Consequently, we can help you alleviate the fear of your parents and yourselves, with caring and compassionate professionals. It’s really important that you…
If an in-home attendant is caring for a disabled person who … has been rated housebound or in need of Aid and Attendance, by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then allow for a deduction for the wages … of the in-home attendant, even if the attendant is not a licensed health professional.Note: A family member may be considered an in-home attendant only if he/she is actually being paid. Documentation must be submitted. If an in-home attendant is caring for a disabled person who … has not been rated housebound or in need of A&A by the Department of Veterans Affairs….
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