Questions about how to enter long term state nursing home care - Disabilities Message Board

Harry 6464 · 07-28-2009, 09:27 AM

I was just wondering if anyone on here knows some general info about having to go to a state nursing home (not private). I know the 50 states have different rules but maybe someone can offer some advice for myself.

Well i've had CIDP for 13 years and now it's paralysed my feet first then my legs and now my fingers are going out and i also live alone on SSDI but i just can't go on much more at this rate as i'll need some kind of care. I've been on SSDI disability for 1 1/2 years and so i still do not have medicare (2 year wait) and so can i call someone or even the police when the time is near and have them take me away to a nursing home here in new mexico?

Thanks if anyone can offer any advice

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harry

goldyfm · 07-28-2009, 12:11 PM

Harry, do you have any family member that can do some legwork for you? I know here, you can qualify for medicaid if you have no assets and limited income. That helps to pay for the longterm care facility along with Medicare. I have done some research in the past on this just for general knowledge but I do not have any specifics. Also do you know if your community has an agency on aging? Your doctor's office will probably have an employee that can put you in touch with a social worker who may be able to assist in your case. I know they handle that sort of thing here at my regional hospital. I am sure they would be able to provide some info as well. Have you tried to see if you qualify for Home Health? There are many levels of healthcare available such as skilled nursing, health care aides and home aides in my state. I am sorry I do not know the qualifications, but I am sure they would vary from state to state. I do hope you can find the assistance that you seek. Take care.

I just did a search for New Mexico long term care and found a wealth of information, including a toll-free number for the state's agency on aging. Can you try a search and see what info is available online? Evercare is a medicaid based assistance for long term care in your state.

You don't say if you are a veteran, but I know in my state there is some assistance for veterans as well.

Harry 6464 · 07-29-2009, 01:41 PM

I just wanted to thankyou very much goldyfm for taking the time to search out some of the info that you provided me with and i'm going to look into all that. I especially like the idea of being independant and living at home with a home health aid maybe once or twice a week would be fine as my SSDI pays all my living expenses every month.

I wonder if they can do things like shop for groceries as that was my main concern starving at home and also possibly taking the rent check to the landlord once a month or if i need a ride to see the doctor on a rare occassion as i try to do most things online or over the phone.

Anyway thanks so much again goldyfm

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harry

mscat40 · 07-29-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry 6464

I just wanted to thankyou very much goldyfm for taking the time to search out some of the info that you provided me with and i'm going to look into all that. I especially like the idea of being independant and living at home with a home health aid maybe once or twice a week would be fine as my SSDI pays all my living expenses every month.

I wonder if they can do things like shop for groceries as that was my main concern starving at home and also possibly taking the rent check to the landlord once a month or if i need a ride to see the doctor on a rare occassion as i try to do most things online or over the phone.

Anyway thanks so much again goldyfm

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harry

Hi Harry,
I am on SSDI and have what is called in home support services . YES, it is just like what the other poster said, they help take care of you inside the home. Do all the things you can't do , and help you. Help with cooking, laundry, groceries, pay rent, anything you need. Take you to the DR. clean your house, or apartment. It is paid by medicad , so if you are also low income you will also qualify for this program. It is for people to stay out of nursing homes , and to be able to live in their own homes .
Best wishes to you. It has been a life saver to me.

goldyfm · 07-29-2009, 06:13 PM

Sure, Harry, glad to do as I was once a super sleuth on finding info online for a living and the challenge was welcomed. If you have not done so, please check out the Angel Food Ministries online. It offers a box of quality food items at reduced prices and is administered through participating churches. I know I can order mine online and pick up once a month. It includes a variety of fresh, canned and frozen items, including meats that is designed to feed a single person for a month. It saves on the food budget. Maybe if you have someone in your area that participates, you could have them pick up for you as well. It never hurts to ask. Also I would suggest Meals on Wheels that delivers a hot meal to those that are not able to get out. I also know there are a number of private home agencies cropping up that provide non-nursing housekeeping and errand services for a nominal fee. If you could consolidate all of your errands to one day, you may be able to swing the fee, especially if they can drive for you. I know here the going rate is $10 an hour for a minimum of 4 hours.

I agree that online is the way to go to order and bill pay especially with the cost and hassle of mail now. I do hope you get others' suggestions, as they may have more to offer than I. I do agree that one seems to remain healthier and more satisfied overall if able to remain independently living with a little help. Take care and let us know how it works out for you.