92 year old mother

[Philipd411]

editbyme

[retiredguy123]

As far as I know, Medicare only provides medical care, such as physical and occupational therapy, and other services directly related to a medical condition. You can get meal-on-wheels, if ordered by a doctor, but that is not a Medicare program.

[Keefelane66]

Medicare is for health needs not maid services.

[Philipd411]

editbyme

[Philipd411]

editbyme

[retiredguy123]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough
Medicare does not provide those services, even if you are in a nursing home or assisted living. If she is eligible for Medicaid, it is possible that those services could be available.

[Philipd411]

editbyme

[retiredguy123]

I think your sister is mistaken. Medicare is a health insurance program. If your mother doesn't have a specific medical condition, Medicare will not cover the tasks you mentioned, unless she is in a hospital or rehab facility. Good luck.

[villagetinker]

Try calling SHINE: SHINE - Home (https://floridashine.org/), they should be able to give you a straight answer, and have a list of resources for your mother.

[eweissenbach]

Medicare is for health needs not maid services.
Needlessly snarky and unhelpful reply imho.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

State of FL

Caregiver Assistance Programs - DOEA (https://elderaffairs.org/resource-directory/caregiver-assistance-programs/)

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

Possibly the said father-in-law was a service connected veteran and was able to get the home care services through the VA. Sounds like a program the VA has offered in the past.
Or if he was in Hospice Care then you would have those support services. If the lady in question is not deemed able to care for herself and unable to leave the house for medical appoints, she qualifies for nothing you're looking for....sorry

Why can't you care for her? Do you and your wife not have arms or hands to hold soap and wash cloth? Seriously? It's easy to care for others if you WANT TO. Most folks don't want to invest the time to care for our aging loved ones. Your options are do it yourself or spend her money on an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home. $12 to $15k a month until their assets are gone, then they will qualify for state assistance...aka Medicaid to pay towards the Nursing Home. If you want to preserve the money you will provide the bathing and feeding. If you truly can't....then no inheritance. Sorry but that's the truth. I've lived it personally more than once and professionally for decades.

Maybe it's an issue of medical equipment such as a hospital bed, wheelchairs, shower chair, hover lift, etc. If so, and you want to keep her in your home, then talk to her doctors about orders for durable medical equipment that is covered by her insurance. Ask for home health orders to come assess your situation and get recommendations as to what her insurance will provide and training on how to use the medical equipment to make caring for her easier. Talk to her Doctors.

[Bogie Shooter]

Needlessly snarky and unhelpful reply imho.

More to follow……..

[PugMom]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

i'm going to say no, it's not covered. we paid out of pocket for my husband's care before he passed. we used a caregiver service, then a private rn as his symptoms increased. it's not cheap, but am afraid you will have to pay

[PugMom]

More to follow……..

oh, YOU!! :1rotfl:

[Michael G.]

Medicare is for health needs not maid services.

Needlessly snarky and unhelpful reply imho.

Some times people just need some snarky talk to get the complete understanding
of what's going on.

[PugMom]

Possibly the said father-in-law was a service connected veteran and was able to get the home care services through the VA. Sounds like a program the VA has offered in the past.
Or if he was in Hospice Care then you would have those support services. If the lady in question is not deemed able to care for herself and unable to leave the house for medical appoints, she qualifies for nothing you're looking for....sorry

Why can't you care for her? Do you and your wife not have arms or hands to hold soap and wash cloth? Seriously? It's easy to care for others if you WANT TO. Most folks don't want to invest the time to care for our aging loved ones. Your options are do it yourself or spend her money on an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home. $12 to $15k a month until their assets are gone, then they will qualify for state assistance...aka Medicaid to pay towards the Nursing Home. If you want to preserve the money you will provide the bathing and feeding. If you truly can't....then no inheritance. Sorry but that's the truth. I've lived it personally more than once and professionally for decades.

Maybe it's an issue of medical equipment such as a hospital bed, wheelchairs, shower chair, hover lift, etc. If so, and you want to keep her in your home, then talk to her doctors about orders for durable medical equipment that is covered by her insurance. Ask for home health orders to come assess your situation and get recommendations as to what her insurance will provide and training on how to use the medical equipment to make caring for her easier. Talk to her Doctors.

maybe it's an issue of not being able to care for her as opposed to not wanting to. lifting to a shower bench or into bed can get tough for us older folk to handle

[PugMom]

Some times people just need some snarky talk to get the complete understanding
of what's going on.

it always pays to have a sense of humor

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

maybe it's an issue of not being able to care for her as opposed to not wanting to. lifting to a shower bench or into bed can get tough for us older folk to handle

This is where the medical equipment comes into play and it's covered by Medicare. I've been lifting people around my whole life and yes, you need help to be safe. There are ways to care for others at home even though we are older ourselves

[macawlaw]

Call the local Counsel on Aging. They would know about all of the resources available and the costs involved.

I’m have not dealt with FL, but in OH I arranged for house cleaning, transportation, and meals on wheels through the counsel. Also, I don’t know how many resources would be available to you and your wife, but when dad was taking care of mom before she went to memory care and he needed help, he qualified for some services as the caretaker.

[CZN715]

Try calling “ A Place for Mom”. Even though you don’t want to place her, they are a wonderful resource. Good luck and I’m sorry for the nasty comments.

[Randall55]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enoughIn some states, this is provided. I have never met anyone in Florida who was able to obtain this service. Each of them had to pay out of pocket. It was explained to me that there are far too many elderly in Florida. The insurance companies would go broke. I have seen many neighbors leave Florida and return home because many states provide their elderly with better care. In Pennsylvania, my brother has three or four medical staff visiting him each day. He was supplied a van with a motorized lift. And, his wife gets paid $18 an hour because she is his caregiver. Plans like this exist but not in Florida. (to the best of my knowledge) Call Shine. They may be able to help you.

[Rande]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

Try the county or state. Ask for programs they may have for seniors.

[Mikecin73]

Medicaid, not medicare

[MikeN]

The only experience I’ve had was with hospice. They supplied a home health aide that helped with bedside care, changing soiled sheets, meal preparation when needed but not general housekeeping. Good luck

[Zenmama18]

Contact Elder Options. Thy can refer you to programs you may qualify for. Phone 800-262-2243.

[BoatRatKat]

I recently went through all this recently. Sorry but no, Medicare does not provide for those services. With a Dr.'s approval they provide a few hours each week of physical and occupational therapy, that's it. For the services you're looking for you will have to pay out of pocket and that is approx. 35.00/hr and there is a minimum of 4 hours each visit and 3 visits each week. Do the math and it's 420.00 per week. There are several service agencies like Visiting Angels that provide these types of services but I can't vouch for any of them. Another option is Hospice which is free but your MIL will need to have a specific diagnosis to meet criteria. Good luck to you, I know it's a very difficult road to be on.

[Berwin]

We went through this with my mother and my in-laws. You are thinking of Medicaid BUT, and this is a big but, only after the patient's resources are expended. So, all of her money has to be paid out before government assistance will kick in. They will go back years (five years as I recall) to see if she sold or transferred her house and that money will have to be accounted for. Someone mentioned the VA. That program is called Aid And Attendance and will pay a caregiver to assist in everyday life such as bathing and dressing. My father-in-law got that since he was a Marine combat veteran. I have heard recently that spouses can also receive it. We got an elder-law attorney to help us with all the paperwork involved for all the programs. It's a lot.

[hlmaclellan]

My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.

Ask Medicare about Adult Family Care - It is a program that helps keep elderly or disable persons in their home but it is dependent on their personal finances and assets.

[retiredguy123]

Ask Medicare about Adult Family Care - It is a program that helps keep elderly or disable persons in their home but it is dependent on their personal finances and assets.
That is a Medicaid program, not Medicare.

[GaryKoca]

If she has long-term care insurance, that would pay for some of that. Otherwise, check medicaid or the link that The Village Tinker provided. As others have said, medicare does not cover those services. That is the difference between medicare and medicaid.

[nn0wheremann]

My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.
If she has “savings” then why would you want us taxpayers to pay for her care?

[GizmoWhiskers]

My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.
The is a Supplemental Medicare for Chronically Ill Benefit through Florida Blue Medicare that has added benefits like care; heart, mental inllness, diabetes are all qualifiers. Call a Villages Insurance person and talk to them. There are a few health insurance agent offices in The Villages. One is at the Colony Medical Clinic.

She may be better off switching from plain Medicare to a Medicare plan after you research it. Her 2024 Medicare Plan Book has all the plans listed in the back of the book with different benefits in it.

[Marmaduke]

Possibly the said father-in-law was a service connected veteran and was able to get the home care services through the VA. Sounds like a program the VA has offered in the past.
Or if he was in Hospice Care then you would have those support services. If the lady in question is not deemed able to care for herself and unable to leave the house for medical appoints, she qualifies for nothing you're looking for....sorry

Why can't you care for her? Do you and your wife not have arms or hands to hold soap and wash cloth? Seriously? It's easy to care for others if you WANT TO. Most folks don't want to invest the time to care for our aging loved ones. Your options are do it yourself or spend her money on an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home. $12 to $15k a month until their assets are gone, then they will qualify for state assistance...aka Medicaid to pay towards the Nursing Home. If you want to preserve the money you will provide the bathing and feeding. If you truly can't....then no inheritance. Sorry but that's the truth. I've lived it personally more than once and professionally for decades.

Maybe it's an issue of medical equipment such as a hospital bed, wheelchairs, shower chair, hover lift, etc. If so, and you want to keep her in your home, then talk to her doctors about orders for durable medical equipment that is covered by her insurance. Ask for home health orders to come assess your situation and get recommendations as to what her insurance will provide and training on how to use the medical equipment to make caring for her easier. Talk to her Doctors.
I agree with the absolute harsh reality of everything you posted.

Many of us have lived it and researched every single program, agency and available free stuff.
There is barely a bus pass given.

Many, many of us have spent a lifetime in fields like social services, social work, geriatrics, gerontology, and nursing home administration. Geriatrics, for me.

There is no easy fix in America for caregiving of our elderly. It's either us or professional paid services such as skilled nursing which will absolutely break the bank of most families. Shared family assets is still a huge hardship on families everyday. If it's just you, and no siblings, you must accept your fate and remember how much your mother cared for you. It's what will get you through. No easy fixes, no free rides, no free caregiver programs, trust us!

However, there are trillions of dollars spent on illigal immigrants health care, education, cellphones, housing, which is breaking the bank of the USA.

But, a question that I would pose to the OP is:
Why haven't you enlisted your sisters skill-set if she has attained these magnificent services she spoke of, she should be able to duplicate them with a phone call, no matter what, to help you out.

However, there are no free services that come close to providing familial caregiving.

Perhaps he was a Veteran w/70-100% disability, or on Medicaid (State Aid for indigent or 20K < and/or 100% disabled, or maybe he had paid 2 years in a nursing home, and then went to live with your sister).

Just realize that no one can be as compassionate as a loving son and daughter-in- law.

This is your time to raise the bar and shine! You can do it! We all have done it in our young 60's.... (which is where I'm at!).
My mom first, then my Dad, who just died at 97.

My cousins 4 girls and 2 boys are currently taking turns as caregivers to their 90 y/o mom, as they used her assets years ago, thinking she'd be deemed indigent by Medicare. Nope.

Good Luck to you.

[elle123]

You and your wife can wash her clothes and clean her room, or hire a houekeeper with the funds your 90 year old mother-in-law is receiving from Social Security.

[TomDTV]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

When I lived in NYC, I had friends who got that type of support thru Medicaid. A very long drawn out process to obtain and it's different in every state. Good luck

[villageuser]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

If your mother cannot provide that care for herself, and is on a decline, she may be eligible for hospice care. They provide bathing, once or twice a week, and a nurse comes in at least once a week to make sure your mother doesn’t need anything. They don’t come every day, however. They charge Medicare for their services.

They also provide lots of the equipment that your mother may need. I hadn’t realized that and had purchased a lot of the things for my mother before I found out that hospice can take care of that, too.

[gradnjw]

My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.

I highly recommend consulting with Your Key to Senior Living Options. Lisa Honka and team provide a free service helping you navigate care for your mom. They can help you assess the resources needed and providers - in home care as well as assisted living - but only what you want - no pressure and free. Website: Yourkeytoseniorlivingoptions.com.

They offer seminars blog posts, newsletters , etc on helpful topics. Very dedicated folks. They helped one friend get a persistent Medicare issue resolved quickly after months of trying herself, just as one example.

Wish you the best in finding what you need!!

[Fastskiguy]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

We are in a similar situation with both of my inlaws, they moved into our house 19 months ago. As far as we could find, it's $35/hr, minimum 4 hours, and you can have as many or as few hours as you want. The workers help....but it's still a lot of hard core nursing work for my wife (and a little for me too). They don't "do everything"....some days it doesn't seem like they "do anything". It's tough.

Joe

[whaslinger]

The services you are looking for are provided through Medicaid. Each state’s program is different. I would begin by contacting the State Department of Health.

[retiredguy123]

If your mother cannot provide that care for herself, and is on a decline, she may be eligible for hospice care. They provide bathing, once or twice a week, and a nurse comes in at least once a week to make sure your mother doesn’t need anything. They don’t come every day, however. They charge Medicare for their services.

They also provide lots of the equipment that your mother may need. I hadn’t realized that and had purchased a lot of the things for my mother before I found out that hospice can take care of that, too.
To be eligible for hospice, a doctor needs to certify that your have less than 6 months to live. It is paid for as a Medicare Part A benefit, and you would receive very limited life-saving medical care. Not a good option for someone who just needs help with things like bathing and dressing.

[Ponygirl]

Yes, I too just went through the experience of taking care of my mom. Personal care was paid out of pocket with her social security income and my funds.

When a doctor recommended hospice care, Medicare covered costs for personal and pastoral care and medical equipment. Hospice staff were wonderful and very caring

[ron32162]

I have experienced the same here in Florida. Getting help with a parent that can no longer do for themselves thru Medicare or Medicaid is close to NOTHING as you can get. It is so bad I had to move my mom back to Virginia where I could get help in her home I am very lucky we didn't sell her house up there. Provided there thru Medicaid 2 sitters up to 16 hours a day, doctor's for house call, transportation if needed, someone to give her bathes, etc... Florida has NONE of this for the elderly. Good Luck!

[airstreamingypsy]

Needlessly snarky and unhelpful reply imho.

You ain't seen nothin' yet.

[Pgcacace]

As posted elsewhere, talk to SHINE. If you want your mom to stay at home and not an expensive nursing home, your option is to hire a service that can bathe and dress her.

[Lindawc]

No, Medicare does not cover this. If your mother or father is a veteran that was in active duty they can apply for aid and attendance through the VA. This is a monthly stipend to help pay for the services you’re speaking of.

[Philipd411]

editbyme

[jarodrig]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough

Same scenario with my mother when she moved in with my younger sister in Rochester, NY

As has been repeatedly stated, Medicare will take care of the medical aspect but you are responsible for everything else.

In our situation, we hired a private care giver who took care of helping her bathing her, dressing her , doing her laundry and cleaning, cooking, etc .

My sister was working full time and was not able to provide this level of care during the week .

So yes, the “extras” you’re looking for will be an out of pocket expense you or your mother.

[LuvNH]

We, my children and I, have been going through this for the past two years.

I am going to assume that you brought your Mother to Florida without first assessing what her needs would be. For instance, can she walk, does she use a cane, walker or wheelchair. Can she shower herself. Can she get up in the night to use the bathroom. Can she get in and out of bed on her own. You need to take her through the house and see if she needs grab bars for stability. She will certainly need bars in the bathroom. She may need additional bars in the bedroom and at various places throughout the house. If you and your wife go out can she be left alone in the house, can she get herself food and drink. Probably the most important, is ..... is she a fall risk.

We had no idea what we were getting into before this happened to us and yes we are going to end up paying for care. Nothing free in Florida except sunshine!

[nancyre]

I understand about crossing the lines between child and parent of the opposite sex. Medicare will cover health care needs, Dr can RX equipment needs such as a hospital bed. If she happens to be a veteran or the spouse of a veteran speak with the VA. But personal care needs are not covered unless it is temporary coming out of medical incident/procedure. Florida department of aging may have some information that can help. Tri-county caregiver resources also has lots of information. Medicaid is when all of her financial resources are gone. If she has financial resources the cost should be covered by her resources for exactly that reason. keep good financial records ( it is important for many reasons)

[Donnarae93]

Call the Department of Children + Family Service.. If she has NO assets then she can qualify for help in your home.

QUOTE=Philipd411;2296628]My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.[/QUOTE]

[DiandJay]

In some states, this is provided. I have never met anyone in Florida who was able to obtain this service. Each of them had to pay out of pocket. It was explained to me that there are far too many elderly in Florida. The insurance companies would go broke. I have seen many neighbors leave Florida and return home because many states provide their elderly with better care. In Pennsylvania, my brother has three or four medical staff visiting him each day. He was supplied a van with a motorized lift. And, his wife gets paid $18 an hour because she is his caregiver. Plans like this exist but not in Florida. (to the best of my knowledge) Call Shine. They may be able to help you.

I recently saw a commercial here in FL advertising the availably of assistance or payment for home care of a disabled or elderly family member. Wish I had taken notes as the subject has come up recently before this.

[PugMom]

I recently went through all this recently. Sorry but no, Medicare does not provide for those services. With a Dr.'s approval they provide a few hours each week of physical and occupational therapy, that's it. For the services you're looking for you will have to pay out of pocket and that is approx. 35.00/hr and there is a minimum of 4 hours each visit and 3 visits each week. Do the math and it's 420.00 per week. There are several service agencies like Visiting Angels that provide these types of services but I can't vouch for any of them. Another option is Hospice which is free but your MIL will need to have a specific diagnosis to meet criteria. Good luck to you, I know it's a very difficult road to be on.

excellent post. yes, hospice is good, but do not do everything. that price is on the nose, unless the person has dementia, as my hubby did. i had to hire a specially trained dementia nurse @ $40 per hour, to deal with him during outbursts or periods of combativeness. i had to hire them for most of the week, sometimes overnight towards the end. i will ask you stay away from mainstream companies, they don't always have the best caregivers available. some can be lazy & i was worried a few times leaving him alone with them, not sure they'd be able to handle all his needs. i used AngelsAboveYou near the end, recommended by a doctor he had. they were so sweet & we had Danny the overnite nurse who was just perfect. if you are considering medicaid, get mom to transfer the title of your home to you, lest they may take it. i truly wish you the best of luck, it's not easy.

[eweissenbach]

My wife and I cared for my father with numerous health issues for the last three years of his life. I helped him get ready for bed, got him up, toileted, and dressed in the morning, and my wife fed him three meals and cared for him, including insulin shots and dressing sores. In order to give my wife time for herself, we advertised for and hired a local woman (retired LPN) for twenty dollars an hour (early 2000’s) three afternoons a week. My father had Medicare and Med Supplement plan F, which paid for all his professional medical care and hospice the last month of his life. My father’s social security covered his outside care and reimbursed my wife for her commitment. We found the experience very fulfilling and gave my dad a lot of happiness under the circumstances.

[Sanibel]

If her husband was a veteran you can get Aid and Attendance from them. Download the forms, fill out and mail. Could take some time but benefits are retroactive to the date they received the forms. From there you can hire someone to do the things you’re looking for.

[Irishfxm]

If your mother has long-term healthcare policy that could cover the services you require at home.

[Drakeswood]

Advice from a voice of experience:

First and foremost, do your research! There is no one stop shopping when caring for a loved one lovingly without robbing your assets and your emotional well being. Remember: if nothing else, what goes around comes around and the info might help those caring for you when that time comes! It behooves us to learn …


Florida Department of Elder Affairs has branches in most counties -check their website and phone. Maybe a visit to their office to create a relationship.

contact the elder law section of a nearby university law school. (Provide good information free)

If your lived one has such, Read her long term care insurance policy’s fine print-lots of info there is “disguised” and worth checking. Those companies usually know of programs to assist even if not included in coverage.

Each U.S.State has different services and most publish a free, annual softcover book on Senior Resources. It takes a lot of time to contact them all but often can be very helpful.

If hospice qualified, that is wonderful and covered by the free portion of Medicare (part A).

Medicaid has various loopholes on home ownership and financial assets and income.

senior “companion” programs, (free) available in most communities for a visit of a couple of hours per week just for friendship/mental stimulation of our elder - contributed to her quality of life.

Google these:
* Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
* Community Care For the Elderly (CCE)
* Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)
* National Family Caregiver Support Program
* Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF)
* Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program

[Drakeswood]

Elderaffairs.org (Florida Department of Elder Affairs)

[japinga]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough
Check on Papapal through Medicare. You get like 75 hours a year for the kind if help you need. Also rides to appointments etc

[aldeana]

Regarding long term care options, rather than depending on one person's good or bad opinions, or on your neighbor's cousin's boyfriend's sister, it's best to get information from the horse's mouth. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs funnels state and federal funding to 11 area agencies on aging in Florida. The Area Agency on Aging for Marion, Lake, and Sumter counties is called Elder Options (area agencies have different names). Their website is agingresources.org. The helpline number is 800-262-2243. Elder Options provides information and referral services at no cost to the caller. They do not sell anything, nor do they get compensation for a referral. They also provide training for caregivers, Medicare orientation, etc. One of the goals is to provide elder care services in the least restrictive and lowest cost settings. Note that Medicare does NOT pay for long term nursing home care. It does pay for skilled nursing care at home or in a hospital or nursing facility, but skilled nursing is limited and has restrictions. Long term care is normally provided in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or with an overlay of community services at home (whether the person lives alone or in a family setting). The Florida website provides information at State of Florida.com | Florida Seniors Guide (https://www.stateofflorida.com/senior-guide/).
The area agency can also inform you regarding Medicaid long term care services, a federal/state funded program of financial assistance to people below certain poverty and asset standards. Another source of information is in the website for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs mentioned above. There is also a screening program called CARES which screens patients regarding their need for long term care services. The following quote is from the Fl Department of Elder Affairs web site:
"Florida residents seeking Medicaid assistance for home and community-based services, or nursing homes, must meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. The Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) Program is responsible for determining medical eligibility (level of care) for home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs and Medicaid nursing home services."

[kendi]

[QUOTE=Philipd411;2296628]My mom just moved in with my wife and I. I was told by my sister that medicare will proved in home care including help with cleaning her room, washing her cloths, helping her wash and other things she is having trouble doing.

My sister said medicare did this for her father in law when he moved into her house.

I called her medicare and they said no. But they do provide up to 32 hours a week for medical care.

I know we can hire someone to provide these services but it comes out of her savings or we kids pay.

Does anyone know if such a program is real?

So far every home health care company I called said there is no such thing.[/

Lots of good advice. Hope you find the help you need.

[TinaBlitz]

I believe it’s Medicaid, not Medicare that provides some of those services.

[TVTVTV]

I can not bathe my mother, I can not dress my mother. Not asking for maid service. asking if medicare help provide in home care help for those who can not longer provide themselves that type of care. Sorry I was not clear enough
It's great you are able to have your mother in your home. Kudos for doing that- it is a lot of work. I'm sorry folks have to be so quick with snarky comments - mostly the same people.

[LuvNH]

Our Physical Therapist was at our home just this morning and I asked him if there is any home care available. It seems there is if you have the correct insurance, the expensive kind. We have United Health Care J Plan. If we have a PT working in the home and you tell him you need extra help with bathing etc. etc., J Plan will cover help for 60 days. You should not just take my word for this, if you have J Plan and you need help please check with United Health Care.

[Lea N]

I don't see what the OP wrote originally but can gather quite a bit from the comments. I don't know if I have anything of real value to offer you, I wish I did.

I am a caregiver to my husband who requires a high level of care. Medicare does not offer in home services. Medicaid I believe offers some level of assistance but I'm not familiar with how it works and I believe it is very difficult to qualify for assistance.

At one time there was a church in Lady Lake who had volunteers who would assist by sitting with your loved one while the caregiver ran errands but they are no longer doing this. Maybe there are other churches in the area who have people who can help, even if they come in for a couple hours a few days a week? Your loved one's social security could pay for this?

If you or your wife need someone coming in to help with dressing, feeding, toileting, bathing, etc. and are going to end up paying out of pocket I would suggest trying to get someone in during the times you will be needing the most help. Maybe for a few hours in the morning?

Try contacting an elder care attorney. The laws change constantly. Years ago we had a friend who was a caregiver to his wife. His attorney suggested he charge her for his time. This isn't something for everyone but it works for some. I don't remember all the details but it was a few dollars above minimum wage. His attorney told him to document in detail EVERY thing that he did. Dressing, bathing, feeding, house cleaning, laundry, giving medications, contacting doctors, taking his wife to doctors appointments, etc., etc., etc.

I wish you all the best with this.

[Marmaduke]

2 years at full cost.
The qualifiers are 20K or LESS In ANY ASSETS, earnings, S.S.

Problem is... sons and daughters want to inherit mom and dads assets when they die, don't want to use them for their care. Want nursing home care, but don't want to pay 6,8, 10 K a month, every month.

*Hospice and Palliative Care is compassionate care provided at end of life, per Drs. orders.

[Marmaduke]

2 years at full cost before MEDICAID!!
The qualifiers are generally20K or LESS In ANY ASSETS, house,
proceeds from House sale, earnings, bank accts, S.S.

Problem is... sons and daughters want to inherit mom and dads wealth/assets when they die.. who can Blane them... but don't want to use their PARENTS ASSETS for their care. They want nursing home care, but don't want to pay 6, 8, 10 K a month, every month.

*Hospice and Palliative Care is compassionate care provided at end of life, as the patient is terminal or dying per Drs. orders, of course.

[villageuser]

To be eligible for hospice, a doctor needs to certify that your have less than 6 months to live. It is paid for as a Medicare Part A benefit, and you would receive very limited life-saving medical care. Not a good option for someone who just needs help with things like bathing and dressing.

Not quite correct. If someone has been on decline for awhile, like my mother, she gets put on Hospice. That’s why it’s good to reach out and have them evaluate the person.

As long as the person continues to decline, they stays on Hospice. If they were to level out for a few months, then they’d take them off Hospice, but when the decline starts again, they’d get put back on. A few times they thought they’d be able to take my mom off Hospice, and there were a few times they started to prepare me because they thought she was transitioning. It’s not a linear journey, which is why they’re careful in their decisions. It’s been great having them there, including having them there to talk to. (Besides nursing and bathing help, they have a chaplain and social worker.)

[Taltarzac725]

Not quite correct. If someone has been on decline for awhile, like my mother, she gets put on Hospice. That’s why it’s good to reach out and have them evaluate the person.

As long as the person continues to decline, they stays on Hospice. If they were to level out for a few months, then they’d take them off Hospice, but when the decline starts again, they’d get put back on. A few times they thought they’d be able to take my mom off Hospice, and there were a few times they started to prepare me because they thought she was transitioning. It’s not a linear journey, which is why they’re careful in their decisions. It’s been great having them there, including having them there to talk to. (Besides nursing and bathing help, they have a chaplain and social worker.)

Vitas also have volunteers who will come and stay with the patient but cannot do any medical chores.

We have had Vitas for three years but my Mom has Alzheimers and often sundowns which is very difficult to deal without the meds. I think the most important thing about Vitas is that we get prescriptions either delivered or which I can pick up. The Alzheimers does not get better. Only worse.

My Dad luckily got long term nursing insurance which we have had first Trusted Home Care and now Right at Home people coming in. Trusted Home Care was $24 an hour three years ago and Right at Home is $30 an hour.

[thelegges]

Have waited before commenting on those who chose to chastise OP about personal care of a 90yo.

First someone who has never taken care of elderly has zero right to criticize.

OP May have a fear of how frail parent is and concerns of doing harm with no idea how to care for parent.

OP may not be able to handle a parent whose weight is more than they can handle.

OPs parent may not be want child or in-law to help with personal issues. (My parents disliked my spouse) Parent maybe so noncompliant that it would cause serious issues. Why because the parent does not think they need help.

Dementia and Alzheimer parents can and will be difficult and not an easy road to walk.

Those who have walked this path have a wealth of information, those who haven’t just have opinions

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

To be eligible for hospice, a doctor needs to certify that your have less than 6 months to live. It is paid for as a Medicare Part A benefit, and you would receive very limited life-saving medical care. Not a good option for someone who just needs help with things like bathing and dressing.

Some hospice services in Florida also provide palliative care for people who are not yet eligible for end-of-life care. Those services would be such as bathing, feeding, and dressing. And while they're in the house if the patient soils their Depends, or needs to use the bathroom, assistance is provided for that as well.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Also for those who haven't had to experience it and are quick to judge, here's my experience:

Both my parents insisted they wanted to die at home, when the time came. Mom had a brain-bleed stroke. She started recovering, and was doing fairly well with 24/7 home health care, paid for by long-term insurance after the $50K deductible was paid out of pocket. This was of course affecting dad, who was unable to help her because he was unwell. Depression ruled the household, it was just the two of them plus mom's aides.

My sister called one night, in the middle of the night, to tell me to get down there ASAP, mom was in the hospital and it wasn't looking good. We drove 4 hours - mom was mostly unresponsive. But they cleared her for home hospice care. So we got her home, and I spent the next 5 days watching her die. They put her on a catheter because moving her to change her Depends was so painful - during her hours at the hospital she fell and broke her back.

She became unresponsive, and finally stopped breathing. I literally watched it happen. There was nothing I could do to help her.

Dad was there too - and he decided at that point - that if he is ever unresponsive like that, but still alive, he wants to die in a facility, not at home. He doesn't want me or my sister to have to endure that a second time.

This happened this past October.

I -highly- recommend that anyone whose loved one is near the end of their life, if the loved one never made any arrangements for home care - let them go peacefully in a facility that exists to help them through that time. There is nothing "peaceful" about dying at home, when your family is there to see it happen. The home itself becomes a place of profound sadness, and whoever else is still living in that home has a 24/7 memory of that moment that they can't ever push aside. Dad can't look at the space in the living room where Hospice had the hospital bed so mom could hear the TV and be with family while she was dying.

No family "needs" that kind of heartbreak.