My mother recently decided to sell her home and move to an independent living apartment that is part of a continuing care community. She’s very concerned about how long her money will last, but she thinks she can swing it. Unfortunately, the facility she chose doesn’t anticipate an opening for as much as a year.
About a week ago, she fell at home and fractured her clavicle. She’s currently in rehab at her chosen facility (in the skilled unit). This is the second serious fall; 18 months ago she broke her hip. I’m starting to think she may need assisted living sooner than we think. She doesn’t remember the recent fall; she said she woke up on the floor. And of course assisted living will consume her resources even faster.
My question: are there any possible sources of assistance we could be looking into? Her husband served in the Army Air Corps in WW2. I don’t believe they were married more than 20 years at his death, if that makes any difference.
https://va.iowa.gov/
If her husband served during active wartime, then she's likely eligible for spousal benefits under the Aid & Attendance benefits he was entitled to. My mother got $1431 (I believe) that I applied to her Memory Care AL rent every month and it helped make her funds last a lot longer. She'll have to meet the eligibility requirements, however, about how much $$ she has in the bank and income, etc.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Also each State will have a Department of Veterans' Affairs you can google that information. (your State) Department of Veteran's Affairs.
I also think that she should probably look into Assisted Living rather than Independent Living
He would have had to be in the service (1 day) during the time of war and married one year.
According to Patriot Angels, they basically tell you if you’re going to be eligible or not before you actually pay them. Again, I dunno how accurate that is, but it worked for us and made the process fairly seamless. BUT, read reviews.
Also, there are Veterans Service Office in many counties, ours is in the local VA hospital. They are very helpful.
in either case, gather as much info about her husband’s service record, marriage and death certificate as you can, they also need resource info, that is the toughest part. But if she qualifies she’ll get around $1400 per month, which can make a big difference in stretching her savings!
You can just Google patriot angels and read reviews.
Also, speak with the social work office at the rehab perhaps they can provide you with info about funding options, which could steer you toward the best Assisted Living option.
" spouse VA benefits" and possibly have your questions answered about if and how to go forward. If you are not the POA, be sure to get this officially assigned by your mother while she is still cognitively, mentally alert and oriented to make her wishes known. A competent Social Worker ( should be one available at facility) can help you with this. If someone else is the POA then you may need them to request info.
Take care of yourself, get good support for your own needs to help avoid caregiver exhaustion. Speak with your clergy or a chaplain for spiritual support and affirmation. Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise as you are able.
Blessings...