I just recently moved my mother in with me. She was in an extremely neglectful situation. Since I'm new to all of this I don't know all the ins and outs. If I put her on my lease would I be able to get her Medicaid for Adult Day Care? They want me to gather up all of her expenses. I'm also trying to get my dad's benefits for her he is a veteran. Is there any programs out there that would be able to also pay me for helping? I'm currently working barely part-time because I need to take care of her right now. Thank all of you in advance.
I don't know much about Medicaid, but an elder care attorney can give you advice on that. If you want to be paid; an attorney told me that a caregiving agreement will have to be put together. Medicaid does a five year look back, and without the caregiving agreement, it can be considered a gift, which Medicaid looks down on. As for VA benefits - it is very time consuming (took us 9 months) and you have to be incurring the charges when you apply.
You may want to consider hiring a geriatric care manager to help you in this transition. They have resources and guidance to help you. There is so much to know and learn; please take all the help you can get. Also look for classes that are offered to help caregivers. That was very beneficial for me.
If you feel bad about it, remember she would not get that care anywhere else for that price - some other revenues of help might kick in then so this will probably be a good benefit her
The other thing that may be relevant is: once the lease is signed, the terms are just that and are a contract, as stated on lease. That should be considered as well. For example, what if you both have to leave early due to issue, what is the backup plan for that as well. But sounds like you are already asking great questions and well on your way to figuring it out. Good luck!
The Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 allows VA to provide benefits to eligible Caregivers (a parent, spouse, child, step-family member, extended family member, or an individual who lives with the Veteran, but is not a family member) who support the Veterans.
VA Family Caregiver Program | Military.com
www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/new-va-family-caregiver-program.htm
You might want to consult an attorney who specializes in elder affairs about your obtaining guardianship of your mother. That's what I had to do. If you become her guardian you will be responsible for keeping accurate records of expenditures.
Your mother is lucky to have you looking after her.
As for you being paid being the caregiver, please note a vast majority of adult children are not paid unless the parent can pay from their own retirement fund.
There is also another option, Medicaid might be able to pay you, but that would depend if your State has that program. The pay would be quite minimal.