75 year old male immobile due to previous issues and then fell and broke his leg. He can’t do therapy or do anything on his own. The nursing home is pushing for him to go on Medicaid since his Medicare has ran out. They have also talked about bringing in hospice to make him more comfortable but we have no idea how long he has. He does not have supplemental insurance. He has $15000 he gave to me to “hold” when my mother died, $8000 in the bank. He transferred his home to my sibling a year ago and she currently lives there. She has no other place to go due to her own health issues. I’m not all that concerned with the $15000 but am most concerned about my sister having a place to live. I have no idea what to do at this point. I am not POA either.
But I think the quality of life is the important issue at this point. PC might be able to provide some assistance, not as much as Medicaid, but I think that issue is also complicated by the need for a place for your sister. Medicaid is not an area on which I know much, so I'm wondering if you might need some counseling or advice from a Medicaid knowledgeable attorney, especially b/c of the transfer of the home and the need for your sister to have somewhere to live.
Gets tricky and complicated very quickly, doesn't it?
How is your father feeling about this? Is he comfortable with going into a hospice program?
Admission to hospice means a maximum life expectancy of six months, as you know. But seriously you do not want to be sitting by your father's bedside when you get to three and a half months from today and thinking about the money.
It isn't that I don't sympathise with your sister but the plan for her to stay in the house must leave your hearts in your mouths, both of you. Won't she feel a huge sense of relief if she can make herself independent of the situation? Can't you help her make a different plan?
Can sister afford the expenses of the house or would she do better in subsidized housing.
You are correct in thinking that the nursing home is trying to ensure that they get paid. Hospice is free to the patient as long as the patient meet admission requirements. Hospice will pay a daily fee which no where near covers the cost of care. they will also cover the cost of medications related to the admitting diagnosis. For example if he is admitted with heart faure but also has diabetes they will only pay for the heart meds.
As far as Medicaid is concerned he will have to spend down his cash before he can receive benefits. That will include the money he gave you and possibly the value of the house if they don't allow sister to stay.
Medicaid typically takes several months to be approved which is why the need to apply now is important. As long as the nursing home accepts Medicaid he can remain.
I am not familiar with all the details so talk to the social worker, an eldercare attorney and the local hospice. you can't make a decision till you know the facts.
Since they are talking about bringing hospice in, then he must not have long to live. What does his doctor say?
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