I fell and broke my leg in a whole slew of places a few weeks ago. It has truly been a life-altering event, but has provided a perspective on what so many of my clients have experienced or will experience at some point. The excruciating pain – I get it. The endless feeling of exhaustion and just not feeling “well” – I get it. The lack of desire of even wanting to step into the therapist’s office – I get it. The feeling of not ever being hungry – I get it. The point here, specifically, is to recognize that it is a tough place to be. Whether you are in your 30s, 50s, 70s, 90s, or above – falling happens and it tends to happen more frequently and have harsher consequences as we age.
Now, I am most certainly not a Doctor, but the older one gets, the recovery and “bounce back” seem to be less than ideal too, right? Actually, on several times at the office, we receive calls that Mom/Dad/loved one has fallen, something has broken (usually the hip), and “that’s it” – the next step has to be an assisted living or nursing home. That simply is not true. You do not have to hop in the car to start investigating assisting living communities and/or nursing homes. Instead, you do have options, but there are several considerations before making a decision of whether it is best for the individual to remain at home (for the time being or for the remaining of their life) or transition to a facility. Some considerations are:
Is the current house even compatible for recovery – what about stairs, handrails, and walk-in bathtubs? Would there be someone at the house to be a part-time or full-time caregiver? What about a professional home health care service? Is it the first, second, third, etc. time the individual has fallen? How much is this going to cost? (Please see this guide from US Consumer Product Safety Commission as a reference: https://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122038/701.pdf) Regardless, when an individual is in their later years, specifically, the concerns are legitimately heightened and the questions seem to be endless. After all, it is possible you are making a decision as to where they will reside in their last years.
Though, one thing is certain – that is Medicaid can often help cover the costs of home health care and facilities like assisted living and nursing home. If they are able to stay at home, Medicaid can help cover the cost of home health care services. If they transition into an assisted living community or nursing home facility, Medicaid can help cover their costs, too. (*It is important to note here that there are very limited options of assisted living communities, specifically, that accept Medicaid.) With proper planning and appropriate professionals involved, individuals do not have to “spend down” their assets to qualify for Medicaid. Instead, they can save their life savings, and transition into a setting that allows them to heal. After all, that is what is most important.
If you have questions about Medicaid Planning we're having a FREE Lunch & Learn at two locations on September 21st and September 27th. Just click here now to save your spot today - seating is limited!
All the best,
Jennifer L. Rozelle
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