Follow
Share

Dad is on hospice dyeing from terminal cancer and is in denial. We are not sure how long he has. but memory is getting really bad and he is buying stuff ( natural cure for cancer) in them morning and then again in the afternoon because he don't remember. Mom is losing memory fast and can't live alone after Dad is gone. If they don't sign up for medicaid we are afraid the state will take them when they show they are unfit to live alone. None of us 3 kids have the time with full time jobs to take this on.

Are your parents low-income enough to qualify for Medicaid? What medical coverage do they have now, that is paying for hospice and other needs? What are their finances, income, and assets? Do they own their home?

If your mother is unable to live alone after your father passes away, Medicaid will not cover full-time in-home care.

Do any of you have their POA?

I'm sorry about this stressful situation.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to MG8522
Report

No one can expect people with fading memory to sign up for Medicaid. That’s too complex for mom to handle. Before mom has a dementia diagnosis you need to take her to an elder care lawyer to be very sure she names Power of Attorney for healthcare and financial decisions for the coming time when she won’t be able to make sound decisions for herself. She also needs an advance directive of her wishes and a will. This is vital. The lawyer can also help explore what Medicaid could possibly be of help with since its programs are state specific. Dad needs his access to money cut off now so his money can be saved for their care. Let him be in denial about his prognosis, he doesn’t need reminding he’s terminal. After all, we all are at some point. If you can’t help with this, I hope you’ll find a trusted family member who can. Your parents are vulnerable and can easily be taken advantage of, if they aren’t already
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

First, your mom isn't capable of signing up for anything at this point if her memory is failing, and may not even qualify for Medicaid depending on your parents income.
But if you think she would qualify, you or another family member can fill out the plethora of paperwork for her. You do know however that Medicaid only pays for a small number of in-home care hours/week so she'd have to have others step up tp help her if she can't live alone after your dad dies.
However Medicaid will pay to have her placed in a nursing facility if need be, and it may just have to come to that.
And even if your mom signs up for Medicaid, the state can still take over her care which in this instance doesn't sound like a bad idea, since you kids are all too busy to take on her care, and mom shouldn't be living alone.
Sometimes letting the state take over is in the best interest of all.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

Cut out your dad's ability to spend money. I destroyed mom's debit card. She was paying people online she did not know and had given out her card and pin to various people she knew. If the state "takes them away" they will appoint a guardian that will see to it your parents are cared for.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to JustAnon
Report

You need to go to Social Services and talk to someone about Medicaid. It is income based so you will need to know where your parents stand financially.

How much do they receive monthly with Social Security and any pensions. Do they have IRAs, 401ks, CDs or investments. Do they own their home?

I would not use Medicaid for in home for 2 people suffering from dementia. I would use it to place them into a care facility. They will have to spenddown any assets they have before you can apply for Medicaid.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter