Q. My wife suffers from dementia and has been in a nursing home for some time. About a year ago, we put everything in my name so she could qualify for a Medi-Cal subsidy to help pay for her care. We currently have only simple wills which leave everything to the survivor of us, and… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Caregiver Issues
Medicare Relaxes Requirements for Nursing Home Coverage
Q. I hear that Medicare has announced that, due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, it will now be more generous in covering nursing home stays by relaxing some of its long-standing coverage requirements. Do you know anything about this? A. Yes. A bit of background may be helpful. Medicare has traditionally imposed three conditions as… Read More »
Will Medi-Cal Count Dad’s Assets Even Though They Cannot Be Accessed Due To His Dementia?
Q. Our father is 90 years old and is being cared for in a nursing home, which costs about $10,500 per month. We need to apply for a Medi-Cal subsidy to help with the cost, but Dad has an old insurance policy with accumulated cash value which puts him over the $2,000 Medi-Cal resource ceiling… Read More »
Purchasing A Home With Your Parent To Provide Care
Q. My 88 year old father still lives in his own home, alone. We worry about him falling and injuring himself. My husband and I have suggested that we sell both of our homes, and together purchase a larger home for all of us. He is on Medi-Cal and we wonder whether he could retain… Read More »
Will Mom Lose Medicare or Medi-Cal Coverage If She Leaves the Nursing Home To Visit Family?
Q. Mom has been receiving care in a nursing home. She is currently covered by Medicare, but soon will switch to Medi-Cal. She would really like to come to our home for a short visit for family celebrations. However, I heard that she might lose her coverage if she does so. Is that true? A…. Read More »
Legal Tips When Hiring a Senior Caregiver
Q. I plan to hire a full-time caregiver for my husband, and I want to make sure that I handle everything legally. Do you have any suggestions as to how I handle payment or anything else? A. Yes. There are specific rules about handling the payroll, tax and employment law aspects of hiring household help,… Read More »
Will Medi-Cal Pay for Assisted Living Care?
Q. I was obliged to move my wife into an Assisted Living Facility, where she now resides in the memory care unit. It costs almost $6,000 a month and I see our savings dwindling. If we qualify financially, will Medi-Cal help with the cost of her care? A. Regrettably, it is unlikely. The general rule… Read More »