Don’t Delay In Planning Ahead For Long-Term Care

Medicaid. For some this is what is assumed to be the fallback if they run out of money at some point in their later years. A distant worry that does not require any action until it is needed, something “down the road” to think about. Unfortunately, it is just not that simple.

For those who meet the financial requirements, the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver program may be available. This option is something to learn about and apply for before a crisis happens. Reaching out to the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at www.aacounty.org/aging-and-disabilities or 410-222-4257 is recommended to learn about eligibility and wait lists. These types of programs are not implemented quickly, no matter the situation.

An option for some individuals is a long-term nursing facility. There are requirements to be met, including maximum amounts of income and assets. A medical or level-of-care need is also necessary to be a candidate as a long-term resident at one of these facilities. If all requirements are met, there is the potential for Medicaid to cover the costs. Again, this is something that cannot always happen as quickly as may be needed.

There is also the factor of availability. Even if someone were to qualify, is there an available bed when needed? Another consideration is that if there is an available bed, where is it located? Having a family member who has lived nearby and counts on regular visits now being an hour’s drive or more away is usually not going to work well for a long-term situation.

Families should investigate whether either of these options - the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver program or a long-term nursing facility – are even on the table for consideration for a loved one. Too many people assume they are a candidate, only to find out while in a dire situation that they are not.

Understanding a loved one’s financial situation sooner rather than later is ideal. Bringing these topics up can be difficult and it is easy to keep pushing down the road. That road will eventually end at some point, though, and a situation will arise that forces it to be addressed. As life sometimes happens as it does, this time will most likely come at an inopportune moment - during the holidays, vacations, job changes, etc.

Another option to consider is Veterans Affairs benefits. Even for veterans who qualify, this is again not something that is sorted out on a quick turnaround. Anyone in a crisis is not going to find a solution by just beginning the process of the documentation and other steps required by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As you have probably noticed by now, the message being sent is that action needs to be taken. If there is any concern that a loved one is unable to finance whatever situation they may find themselves in when “down the road” comes, address it now. Reach out to the Department of Aging and Disabilities, contact a long-term nursing facility, and investigate whether VA benefits are a possibility.

Learn about the services for seniors provided by Assisted Living Locators of Annapolis at www.assistedlivinglocators.com/care-advisor/annapolis or by calling 410-507-4490.