Assisted Living Covered by Medicare

[Anonymous]

My dad has a small income from social security. Besides that, he has nothing aside from what my sibling and I contribute toward his living expenses, which is about $200 a month each. He currently lives in low-income independent living. He’s quickly becoming immobile and will need to go to assisted living within a few months.

My sibling and I can’t contribute more, and we don’t know how to proceed. Are there assisted living facilities that accept Medicare? If so, does anyone have recommendations in Northern Virginia? Living with me or my sibling is not an option.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Medicate doesn't pay for AL, and Medicaid only for nursing homes. I would be applying for Medicaid and find the best one that will accept it that is close to you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Medicate doesn't pay for AL, and Medicaid only for nursing homes. I would be applying for Medicaid and find the best one that will accept it that is close to you

This. If your dad has any assets, you will need to do what is referred to as "spending them down" before he will qualify for medicaid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Medicate doesn't pay for AL, and Medicaid only for nursing homes. I would be applying for Medicaid and find the best one that will accept it that is close to you

This. If your dad has any assets, you will need to do what is referred to as "spending them down" before he will qualify for medicaid.

This. And be careful of how you’re spending now because there is a five year look back period.

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much, PPs. There are no assets. He’s destitute.

[Anonymous]

He should be able to qualify for Medicaid. What state is he in?

[Anonymous]

Birmingham Green in Manassas, Va provides assisted living and long term care to low-income/Medicaid recipients in NOVA. It is publicly-funded by five counties. https://www.birminghamgreen.org/

[Anonymous]

Medicare does not pay for ALF but you could call A Place for Mom and they can find you a “group home” which is a less expensive option. It’s basically a home in a residential neighborhood with full-time staff and a smaller number of residents than a traditional facility. Here’s a video by a geriatric psychologist who I follow, talking about group homes:

https://www.careblazers.com/blog/A%20Different%20Kind%20Of%20Care%20Facility

If your dad is truly destitute, he should apply for Medicaid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad has a small income from social security. Besides that, he has nothing aside from what my sibling and I contribute toward his living expenses, which is about $200 a month each. He currently lives in low-income independent living. He’s quickly becoming immobile and will need to go to assisted living within a few months.

My sibling and I can’t contribute more, and we don’t know how to proceed. Are there assisted living facilities that accept Medicare? If so, does anyone have recommendations in Northern Virginia? Living with me or my sibling is not an option.

Many thanks!

See if he could be in a PACE program: https://vapacealliance.org/

[Anonymous]

If there's a senior center in your town or your dad's town, check them out. Senior centers often have someone there to help you navigate this. Also check with your father's health care provider and see if they have a (preferable geriatric) social worker they can recommend to help you sort it out.

[Anonymous]

If he is in Montgomery County, I think they will contribute $800 or so towards assisted living. I would call whatever agency there is in his area that deals with aging and ask for help.