I know everyone is from different states and even different countries, so the rules may not all be the same. But, please tell me, if yall know: Does Medicare pay 20% or more for the above mentioned services? They go by many names, such as: Home Care Aids, Home Assistance, Caretakers who come to your home and take care of the alz relative for a certain amount of time. Like 3 days a week for 4 hours. And are paid by the hour. This one company I have contacted by email, wants $15.50 per hour. Of course, I am not completely sure what this includes. So, I will continue to questions them, possibly at their office or on the phone.
Anyone know about this kind of set up, especially if each state is different and if so, anyone from Texas???
I will continue to check further on monday - am just gathering phone #s and such for today.
Medicare does not pay for those services,that is considered custodial care. You might check into Adult day care facilities, they provide care for the disabled during daytime hours. Many will provide transportation. I believe Medicare or Medicaid will pay for those services.
In New York State, Medicare did not pay one cent towards the Home Health Aide who stayed with Mom for about 8 months, for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. It was a very expensive matter. Not as expensive as a nursing home, but also much less comprehensive, as she was still alone 3 hours a day and I was then in charge 18 hours a day and 24 on weekends.
I found it an unsatisfactory method of caring for Mom. She hated the aides, especially when the agency sent a substitute, which happened often and with no notice .
I would already be at work and a complete stranger would ring the bell and want to come in and spend the whole day with Mom. Mom was by then unable to dial the phone to call me or my brother, and had to accept that this was the Aide . It could have been anybody. Mom never trusted any of them, not even the regulars. She insisted they go out together, to the Senior Center, a bus ride away, in any kind of weather. She was afraid to be with them alone in the apartment although they were licensed and bonded. For her it was strange women trying to take advantage of her in some way. She didn't even allow herself to doze off for fear of theft or whatever.
A NH is far the better solution. At least in our experience.
I live in texas and if an individual is eligible for Medicaid (incme based) they can receive what is called "homemaker services". They are assessed and can receive from 2plus hours a day, 7 days a week. The homemaker or provider can assist with meal preparation, accompany to dr appointments, doing the laundry in the home or accompanying them to laundry mat, assistance with bathing, house cleaning, etc. My mother was eligible and she received 5 hours a day (M-F) and 4hours a day on Sat /Sun. for a total of 29 hours. In addition, if you have a family member or friend who wants to work as the provider they can apply for the position.
I just went with what the home health agency assigned us and I got very lucky to have a wonderful young lady who cared for mom. She came in the morning 9-12 (and as my mom needed more supervision-I paid her to stay 12-3) and then 3-5pm. She assured mom got her meds (they can only remind them to take meds not administer) and three meals a day. SHe kept the house clean and helped with laundry.
You can also look into adult day care centers. I am unsure as to cost but I think if your loved ones qualifies for Medicaid they are eligible.
I was very lucky to have this young lady as she grew to really care for my mom. She even accompanied me to the nursing home when I placed mom. She told me she planned on visiting her.
You need to contact the local Tx Dept of Human services to get an application.
Thanks for the replies. I made an error in my first post. I meant 80 % for Medicare to pay and 20% for us to pay!!!!
Anyway, my parents are not paid down for Medicare to be able to move in for free to a NH, so I doubt that they would pay for any of this for my dad or mom. I think I will ask my dads family dr., just to be sure.
I wonder why they are paying 100% (Medicare) for the Home Assist. people that are coming to their house for just a few hours a week now? I guess because it includes physical therapy and occupational therapy?!
But, my parents do have a long term care policy. I need to check it out and see if they would pay for some part time - in home care.
Also, dad has VA, just a little entitlements.
This is just a temporary fix, til we can get them both into new places to live, where they will be safe and taken care of. Right now, it seems like they are both just sort of stumbling around in a fog!!!
When I go to their house Tuesday, I will get my mom to pull out the long term policy and let me read it and or we can both call and ask ?s.
Re: Living Assistance Services - your home ???? 
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