My Dad had a stroke. I just couldn't make myself disclose all his financial info.to the Dept of Aging for help. My father's Medicare services (PT, OT, SP and a shower aide). The OT ended the shower assistance because she felt my dad could shower on his own. I feel he still needs help to ensure safety while getting into the shower at least once a week. He could have received services from the Dept. of Aging where they would have possibly covered a portion of the fee for home health aide service and Lifeline, but I just couldn't bring myself to give them ALL of his financial information (bank account statements, IRA's, stocks/bonds, annuities, home worth, etc.) to see if he would even qualify for them to pay a percentage. Also, they now send the financial info. to the state for Medicaid review even though he does not qualify for Medicaid. I'm feeling a little guilty that I put off submitting his information because he could use the help but will now have to pay fully out of his own pocket for Lifeline and a private aide. I don't want my father's money! I'm just having difficulty with the invasion of privacy. He isn't necessarily wealthy, but he worked hard for what he did manage to save. His doesn't have a mortgage but now has to pay rent for an apartment near my home while still paying taxes. etc. on his own. This arrangement cost less than assisted living. My house was not a suitable option.
My parents expenses were (are) paid out of their savings - they worked hard all their lives so they would have something to fall back on when needed. The children are adults and can take care of themselves. The purpose of his assets is his care.
Don't guess about what he is qualified for, and particularly don't guess about what he might need in the future. Spend a few hundred dollars to consult an attorney who specializes in Elder Law. (The specialty is critical. Don't go to your cousin who handles divorces.) Put all of your cards on the table. Let this professional guide you about whether it is useful to apply now and/or how to prepare in case you have to apply for Medicaid down the road.
Maybe it wasn't a mistake not to report everything to the Department of Aging. I don't really know. But it would be a mistake not to have professional guidance in planning to get the most value out what your father worked so hard for.
If you'd told us that he was receiving free services from taxpayers because you weren't forthcoming, that'd be another kettle of fish.
I'll tell you right now, though, if you think you're going to hide any assets from Medicaid or any other agency in order for your dad to receive assistance, that's fraud. If you're having a conversation with someone about dad's assets, and you don't tell all, no problem, If you're filling out a form that requires your or your dad's signature at the bottom? It better darned well be truthful.
If your dad owns a home, stocks, bonds, annuities, IRAs, etc. -- owns a home without a mortgage -- and can afford to pay for an apartment in addition to holding onto his home? He doesn't qualify for a free home health aid. At least I hope not from a taxpayer standpoint.
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