My brother in law has Alzheimer's and is a 40 yr retired veteran. He was placed in assisted living center about a year ago as his daughter could not handle him at home. He was doing well but recently had an infection and wound up in a VA hospital. We are being told that he needs too much assist as he declined in the hospital and is barely ambulatory. His daughter is looking for a placement but although he has about 7000 a month it's still not enough to pay for most of these places who want 8 to 10 K or more. She still lives in the home which is his only asset and she has been there for 3 yrs caring for him. She was looking at possible aid and attendance but it's confusing to me if he is eligible. She has spoken to many people and some say yes but others no. Does anyone know if she has to include the house if she lives there? It's in his name but she is paying for it. Would they include that as an asset if it's unlikely he will return home? If she sells it and uses it to pay his are center will he have problems getting Medicare if needed in the future? They purchased two cars 3 yrs ago and they have since been sold will that count in the look back period? If anyone has knowledge of this process and can answer some of this it would be greatly appreciated. If not, I have heard that there are organizations that help with this process but are not scammers like some. Any info would be helpful.
Hecwas an officer
I would check out private State regulated homes. Maybe cheaper.
where there are just 2 residents and 2 caretakers
Seem to be many of these in the area with a small number of residents in each home it's an interesting concept
They take people at all levels. They are aware of his limitations. That said he may never need Medicaid. The house is the big question now..if it will count or not for aid and attendance. She did get hold of someone at a veterans assistance organization and we will look at all the paperwork to see if he may be eligible. Yes I think his income may be too high.
I’m glad the daughter is in touch with the VA.
Here is a link from here on the forum with more information.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/veteran-aid-and-attendance-improved-pension-136402.htm
Good luck to you.
A&A pays a fixed amount that might be more limiting than Medicaid. I once looked into this for my in-laws. The attorney that I consulted explained that based on my in-laws total assets and situation, Medicaid would be the better option. They passed before they needed LTC so I only know enough about this to know that it might be possible.
The daughter needs a consult with a certified elder attorney who understands both A&A and Medicaid requirements to help her determine the best course of action.
I’m sorry your brother is in such terrible condition. I hope his daughter is able to find him a suitable placement.
I would suggest the spouse see an Elder Lawyer about splitting assets. Facility care is expensive. Spouse needs to protect themselves.
If he is at 100% he would qualify for one of the VA homes..
If he is eligible for Hospice the VA may also place him in the VA Hospital under Hospice.
PLEASE contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission OR your State's Department of Veterans Affairs. both of these will help free of charge.
You can also contact the VA and ask to talk to a Social Worker.