Suggestion to help a senior person with homecare.

[Mass]

My MIL is 94 and is now at a stage where she needs 24/7 homecare (nothing medical that would be covered by Medicare). She has some assets and can afford that for a while, but her resources are not infinite either and at some point, they may become depleted. She does not qualify for Medicaid or the usual subsidies offered by the state (we live in MA). She worked hard all her life and saved for her retirement, but I do not think her or her husband thought they would live that much (we are lucky to have her with us and recognize we are lucky they were so careful with their money).

I was wondering whether there were some tax breaks (or any other suggestion that is not based on assets/revenues) she can qualify for because of the people she needs to have home in permanence.

[pnwmom]

1. She may have assets now, but she will qualify for Medicaid nursing home care when they run out.

If she needs 24/7 care, that costs less at a nursing home (including group homes caring for patients at that level) so that's probably where the state will want it provided -- although states differ on this. You should see whether Medicaid in MA will cover full time in-home care.

The Medicaid rules allow the assets of the couple to be divided, according to certain rules, so that the spouse can keep his share. Also, the spouse can remain in the house; the house doesn't have to be sold as long as the spouse is alive.

I'd start looking at nursing homes before a crisis occurs and there is no money. There is a lot of research to be done to find the right one. If they have one in your area, a nursing home based on "The Greenhouse Project" could be a good choice.

http://thegreenhouseproject.org

[Freddie]

2. Did she or her husband serve in the military during wartime?

There's veterans benefits available for veterans/spouses/widows if the person served during wartime. Called Aid & Assistance Benefit, this will cover up to $1700/month (last I checked) towards nursing home, assisted living or home care. Person is allowed to have up to $80000 in assets not including home if they are still living in it. Check the VA website. May need this benefit for my FIL, a Korea vet, in due time.

[Pooka Fey]

3. My dad gets the military service benefit for his WWII service

It is a big help with his care needs. Good luck!

[Major Nikon]

4. The people who provide these services should be able to help you

The larger homecare organizations often have someone on staff that can help you navigate the programs which are out there.

[procon]

5. If she needs Medicare and Medicaid coverage Google "Medicaid Spend Down"

Also talk to a lawyer about her estate and how to divest, and protect, her assets down to the point where she can qualify for assistance. You'll need her power of attorney.

Has she applied for Medicaid? She must be denied full coverage under the Medicaid program in a notice that will tell her if you qualify for a spend down and, if so, how much the spend down for medical expenses needs to be.