Follow
Share

My Dad had a stroke. I just couldn't make myself disclose all his financial info.to the Dept of Aging for help. My father's Medicare services (PT, OT, SP and a shower aide). The OT ended the shower assistance because she felt my dad could shower on his own. I feel he still needs help to ensure safety while getting into the shower at least once a week. He could have received services from the Dept. of Aging where they would have possibly covered a portion of the fee for home health aide service and Lifeline, but I just couldn't bring myself to give them ALL of his financial information (bank account statements, IRA's, stocks/bonds, annuities, home worth, etc.) to see if he would even qualify for them to pay a percentage. Also, they now send the financial info. to the state for Medicaid review even though he does not qualify for Medicaid. I'm feeling a little guilty that I put off submitting his information because he could use the help but will now have to pay fully out of his own pocket for Lifeline and a private aide. I don't want my father's money! I'm just having difficulty with the invasion of privacy. He isn't necessarily wealthy, but he worked hard for what he did manage to save. His doesn't have a mortgage but now has to pay rent for an apartment near my home while still paying taxes. etc. on his own. This arrangement cost less than assisted living. My house was not a suitable option.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
There is no sense in applying for something that you will not be approved for, so learn their guidelines. If your assets or income is higher, by all means do not apply and retain your privacy. If you are going to apply you need to be 100% truthful and disclose all.
My parents expenses were (are) paid out of their savings - they worked hard all their lives so they would have something to fall back on when needed. The children are adults and can take care of themselves. The purpose of his assets is his care.
Helpful Answer (13)
Report

If you have not already seen a elder law attorney and had power of attorney, health care surrogate and will documents drawn up/reviewed, it would be good to do so ASAP. A good elder law attorney can also help you through the long list of questions about Medicaid qualification, financial disclosure and more. It is easy to go through a lot of money in a short period of time when dealing with caregiving issues. Someone who would not qualify for Medicaid today might in two years. For that reason it is important to handle the finances properly so that there is not a problem when you go to apply (particularly with regard to the look-back period).
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

Ya, I think you did the wrong thing. This isn't about what YOU are comfortable with, but about what is best for Dad. If you are certain that he has enough assets to provide the level of care he needs and may need in the future for the rest of his life, then putting privacy first may not be an issue. But unless that is a certainty, it is likely his finances will have to be disclosed at some point, and it might as well be now.

Don't guess about what he is qualified for, and particularly don't guess about what he might need in the future. Spend a few hundred dollars to consult an attorney who specializes in Elder Law. (The specialty is critical. Don't go to your cousin who handles divorces.) Put all of your cards on the table. Let this professional guide you about whether it is useful to apply now and/or how to prepare in case you have to apply for Medicaid down the road.

Maybe it wasn't a mistake not to report everything to the Department of Aging. I don't really know. But it would be a mistake not to have professional guidance in planning to get the most value out what your father worked so hard for.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

It sounds like you didn't short-shrift dad, if that's what your worried about. You say you didn't disclose "all" of his information. What you DID disclose, obviously was enough so that he didn't qualify for assistance.

If you'd told us that he was receiving free services from taxpayers because you weren't forthcoming, that'd be another kettle of fish.

I'll tell you right now, though, if you think you're going to hide any assets from Medicaid or any other agency in order for your dad to receive assistance, that's fraud. If you're having a conversation with someone about dad's assets, and you don't tell all, no problem, If you're filling out a form that requires your or your dad's signature at the bottom? It better darned well be truthful.

If your dad owns a home, stocks, bonds, annuities, IRAs, etc. -- owns a home without a mortgage -- and can afford to pay for an apartment in addition to holding onto his home? He doesn't qualify for a free home health aid. At least I hope not from a taxpayer standpoint.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Reassure yourself you did nothing illegal or wrong because you decided NOT to apply for any govt. help that may or may not have been available for Dad. In the future if you need to apply for any help you will have to disclose everything. Don't bother trying to hide anything THEY will find it. Keep detailed records of everything that is spent for dad's care and any reciepted bills you have. Be very careful with helpers who come in to help. if they work for an agency then the deductions are taken care of, otherwise you or dad are the employer and responsible for any employment taxes. if they tell you they are self employed taxes are their problem but pay by check and keep copies of chesks unless your bank includes copies in your statement. As advised above consult an elder care employer and if things get too complicated for you also an accountant. you did not do anything "wrong" but may have to consider things differently in future.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

It doesn't sound like he's going to qualify. He has to be just about broke in order to qualify and even after that it often takes months for Medicaid approval. Definitely use his funds for HIS care.....squirrel away some for when you will be able to prove he's down to his last 2K. That amount you set aside will help provide while you're waiting for Medicaid to kick in if he lives beyond his money.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Your Dad worked hard and now HIS money is for his care. As suggested talk to an elder law attorney and get all the paperwork in order. You have to realize this isn't about how you feel but what is right in seeing that Dad gets all the proper care he needs.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

talk to an elder law attorney and get ALL your family's paperwork in order. Why risk loosing a home
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

It is best to disclose everything when applying for any kind of assistance. My mom was on Medicaid briefly when she was in acute care. They check everything! I didn't list my checking account, although mom was on my account with me, because it wasn't her money. I was single at the time and wanted her to have access to it in case something happened to me. I had to prove that it was not her money and that I was not "hiding" any of her assets in it. I am not sure, but I am sure someone here knows. It could have been an attempt to defraud the government. Better to be honest..for many reasons!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Yes, you did an illegal act by not disclosing all financial information. They are not asking questions to be noisy, they need to allocate monies based on need. If your father can pay, then he should pay his share, but if he cannot, then help MIGHT be there. Now, you might be looking at disqualification, and possible legal action because you LIED. Not telling the truth always has consequences.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter