I am confused on my options as a 56 yo female with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, who is living in her family house, since the death of her parents (2006 & 2008). I worked more than twenty-five years, but went on SSDI in 2012 due to cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, balance and bladder issues. I only have Medicare, too.
In my state (Pennsylvania) the age of 60, is a threshold to many issues (for example moving into a continuing care community, etc.). But, until I reach that age, how do I qualify for or pay for in-home assistance?
I guess a cleaning woman would be a nice start, and then whatever assistance I would need? Does anyone have any ideas on where I should start looking? I'm very lucky that I am still able to transfer myself. But, I am currently only too aware of the downhill slide that we all may reach someday.
Can anyone share their tips and/or input for me? I have a few more years to try to stay independent. Thanks! 🙂🙏🤞
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DM0329
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I'm only responding because I didn't want this to get lost. Unless you have a lot of assets (and a normal house doesn't count), you might qualify for Medicaid as a secondary insurance. Check with your Medicare provider to see if they have a Medicaid option or any special assistance for the disabled. I'm thinking that with SPMS and still being young, there should be something out there that can help you.
Depending on what state you're in, you might indeed qualify for Medicaid, and in many states there is a provision for a helper or "home health aide" under some circumstances, for instance if you are disabled but not yet of retirement age. When I lived in WA state, these were called "waivered services." A case worker came to your home periodically and did an assessment of your needs. The assessment would take about an hour, and then you'd be told if you were entitled to any hours of help, and what kind of help. The hours allotment varied from about 10 hours a month to (I think--I can't recall for sure) 180 hours a month. That might include housework, laundry, meal preparation, essential shopping, transportation to/from medical appointments, even some personal care, like assistance in bathing--though the rules on that were rather definite and restrictive as to just what the worker could do.
Your needs would change from time to time, and in that case you'd undergo a reassessment and the hours allotment would often be changed. But the case manager could help you to figure out what you needed help with.
Other states have entirely different arrangements, and WA state probably has one of the more generous plans.
Unfortunately, the state of Pennsylvania does not have a policy that I can easily find on-line, as I would not qualify for need-based programs. Only under the department of aging, would I maybe qualify for something and age 60 is the "set" age.
And, I am NOT dual eligible with Medicare & Medicaid. I may have to pay out of pocket for an aid. The only option I see is if I pay for my in-home care assistance at this time, which I cannot afford, and I am not disabled enough to meet the skilled nursing home threshold either.
DM0329, I'm sorry you're in this bind. I don't know if this idea would appeal to you at all but there are people who more or less deliberately impoverish themselves just so they can qualify for better Medicare benefits and for Medicaid. Medicare has some special programs for low-income people, and under other programs there can be housing assistance, aid with utility bills and food bills, etc. You do have to be willing to be poor enough though, and a lot of people wouldn't go for that at all.
I have a home health aid come in once a week for 3 hours @ $30/hour out of my pocket. Definitely worth it. She prepares a few meals, changes my bedding, runs 2 loads of laundry and other light duty items. Definitely takes the load off my daughter who I live with. I’m definitely not wealthy but not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. I worked until I was 61 and, fortunately, worked for a great company with great benefits including long term disability paid thru my full retirement age of 66 and 4 months which happened last January. I have PPMS and and can no longer walk but can transfer. I also have a large labradoodle who helps me up off my chair!
I would just do a search for in home health care and start making phone calls. I had been receiving in home physical therapy so I reached out to them for a recommendation. I got lucky and got a good one. She is worth it. Good luck!
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