Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the frequently asked questions regarding government benefits for long term care. 

Q: My husband is diagnosed with dementia.  He is living at home, but I'm getting tired and am not sure how much longer I can care for him.  But nursing homes cost an arm and a leg.  Is there any help out there?  Do I have to sell my home to pay for his care? 

A: Yes, there is help out there.  We can advise you on your husband's ability to qualify for benefits through the VA, and / or for Medicaid benefits through the local Department of Social Services / Human Services.  Both the VA and Medicaid require financial qualification.  Federal law provides significant Medicaid protections for a community spouse. 

And no, there is no requirement that you sell the home you are living in to pay for your husband's care. 

Q: My mother is a widow and needs help in the home.  My father was the Navy for two years, during the Korean War, but he never set foot in Korea.  Are you really telling me that the VA may be able to help with the costs of her care?

A: Yes.  The VA provides benefits for military members who served during wartime, and for their widows or widowers.  There are categorical, medical and financial requirements for qualification.  We are familiar with the Aid & Attendance program, and are happy to help you determine whether your mother is eligible, and if not what steps might be effective for qualification. 

Q:  My father is in a nursing home, and really enjoys his private room.  I figure his money will last another 18 months, and then he will be broke.  Is there any way I can protect some of his money so that there is a fund we can use to keep him in a private room, or to give him other nice-to-haves?

A: Yes.  By using a strategy called the "half a loaf" gift and repayment, we can preserve a fund of money for your use, to provide your father with some of those quality of life items that can improve his life in the nursing home. 

Q: I don't believe in using government benefits.  What other strategies are out there?

A: For those who are medically qualified, we can advise about the purchase of long term care insurance.  We can advise on the use of loans, reverse mortgages, family care contracts, and other techniques outside of the scope of government benefits, to provide for care.