I just received some good news. It’s actually left-handed good news but nevertheless. Because I am a disabled military veteran, I can enter long-term care for free. Obviously, it’s not what I wanted for my life, but it’s good to know that it’s available to me. This is for the future; I don’t need it now. I also asked them what is the availability to a military vet who is not service-connected. They told me that it’s available to them but at a daily cost of $318.00. I asked them what happens when their money runs out - as it probably will, then the vet applies for Medicaid and that should cover it.
Of course, you should call regarding your particular case.
Hey Chas
“Actually, hope I never need it.” Don’t we all, but the reality can be quite different. Often it is a subject that is ignored until it is actually needed and by that time the act of ‘looking into it’ can have an urgency where somethings can be overlooked. Whilst you have the ability I would recommend a thorough investigation of what sorts of services are available, their costs and if possible, reviews. Some places can have real smick websites but their services can be lacking. Others like to take control, full control of an individuals life choices leaving you with no choice.
Things that need to be taken into consideration are ‘whole of life’ preferences and not just what is required today. Some services may offer a ‘whole of life’ service, but often once you are locked in trying to change can be very difficult, so rather than having one organisation handling everything (which may seem easier) having different service providers can give you more options later on.
Another issue with some service providers is that management today maybe excellent, but then tomorrow when the management structure changes it may no longer suit your specific needs. Smaller organisation can be taken over by international conglomerates and that personal service you once received may become a ‘one size fits all’ profit making focused business. If you are locked into that single entity controlling everything you can end up losing all control.
Having an agreed service plan is a must IMO. This plan must have the ability to be reviewed and updated regularly and as the need arises. If it is fixed, for example, for 6mths and 2 months in your circumstances change, the service may no longer meet your needs OR to alter the plan may have a financial penalty.
I STRONGLY agree with Azurelle in looking at assisted living prior to long term care. If you have a wish to maintain your present living arrangements for as long as possible. Services are available to assist people within their own homes, this allows you more independence for longer. I know some nursing home environments can take 85% of your income and this results in a severe reduction of your independence, that is even if they say ‘you can come and go as you please’, you end up having no $$$ to be able to do anything.
These are some of the many things that need to be investigated. Everybody’s needs are different and to get a service that best meets your personal needs I’d be suggesting you make a list, discuss it with family, discuss it with dr’s, discuss it with friends. Start to make some sort of plan now to be sure that when the needs arise you are covered and can live in a manner that you, yourself feel comfortable with.
Hope it helps
Merl from the Moderator Support Team
II agree that it is wiser to have a plan instead of trying to react in an emergency. I know that we had to place my mother in a memory care facility, it was difficult enough, but having picked out a place previously on a non-emergency basis made it lots easier. Of course, I have no plan for me other than my husband living longer than I do and his remaining healthy! That has worked so far, but I do need another plan for backup. I guess that shows that it is much easier to know what to do than it is to actually do it!
A care coordinator was assigned to me making decisions somewhat clearer. In-home care will be carried out for me such as a PSW (personal support worker), a pediatrist, PT (physiotherapist), and so on as much as can be provided until such time when long term care becomes more feasible and sensible. These services will continue, but in a care facility environment. My care coordinator outlined it all for me, and she will continuously monitor my situation.
The cost /mo. for long term care for me varies greatly depending on the type of living situation desired. Some things to consider are: type of room required (semi-private or private) television and intranet costs, and so on. But as near as I can see from the website cost starts in the vicinity of $1700+/mo. There is a bit of a waiting list to get in to most places but one can remain on a wait list whilst in another care facility. The choice remains that of the individual on where to live in the end.
Typically nursing and services like that are covered under our provincial healthcare plan, but obviously they alter slightly when in a care facility.
There are many extra services and programs to think about for now and the future. Most carry a minimal out of pocket cost to the consumer, but are reasonably priced. Most will come to your location and pick you up, take you to the venue, and then return you home after. Some locations (municipalities or local governments) offer shopping services too. Needless to say, there are often many options available to the disabled regardless of your living situation.
The decision for me depends really on many factors. But mainly can I live un-assisted on my own? Can I properly care for myself such as personal grooming? Can I provide myself with meals? Is proper community disability transportation available? If no then I must consider a care facility.
Yesterday I got myself stuck in the tub for an hour!, I just wanted to sit in the bath, it was very enticing. I have a tub thingy but I didn’t use it like I should have. Gravity was my friend going in, and my enemy getting out! Thank goodness for my GF! She was within hollering earshot, and helped me out. At that moment I considered that a care facility would be best if I lived on my own. Otherwise I’d still be in the tub!
Thankfully, here in Canada (in most locations) many of these care decisions remain in control of the individual, in-home care is provided for as long as possible, and there are many options available in respect to locations, transportation, and activities for the disabled.
As I mentioned to the care provider, maybe these decisions might be easier if I where mentally incapacitated in some way, and I had no clue as to what the hell was happening!
It’s definitely challenging at times. I now compare to my body being in prison! It just won’t do anything!
Not that I know what prison is like!? The only thing different about prison is depending on your sentence you know what the future holds. Unlike ataxia, sometimes you never know.
I understand all the previous posts about preparing now for the future. Makes complete sense. Just how do you do that? Get all the information you can get and then go from there? Things change with time. So how does one prepare? I have a lot of information on hand now. As I get older, I’m starting to hate this illness. I know that hate is a wasted emotion but it is what it is.
I think you could do the same with an other nursing home if you like that better than the VA one. I mean use up your money and then apply for Medicaid. That would not cost anything else to you, too. I am not trying to say that is better - just that it is another option. You could use your money on assisted living, if you would prefer that.
I love your post. I called the VA Long Island Veterans Home and asked them to send me literature. They did and honestly it looks very nice. However I think that I should make a trip there and see it live. I don’t need it yet thank goodness but you never know down the road. Since I’m rated 80% it’s free for me although I would rather be healthy - as would all of us here.
xB
