Having someone to take care of that is difficult is one thing, but when you have the financial challenges of getting some live in help or visiting help can be pricey. In addition, when you have many people living in the same home as the patient; that brings around a whole other dynamic. Some people can be very understanding about living with the patient and live in help. Some other people can be very selfish in the thought that the person who you’re taking care of is an annoyance and should go to a nursing home and be out of their way. If you are taking care of a person who is a friend, relative or someone you really care about and love; there are many sacrafices that are made by all living in the same home as that patient.
Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Dimentia
When I was taking care of my mother. It was hard. I was watching a person who I loved was slowly deteriorating. My mother had Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Dimentia. It never gets better. I was fortunate to understand early how to prepare for some elderly onset events that may arise. I did not definately know this was going to occur, but as a general guideline; it’s a good idea to gradually get your loved one belongings out of their name. This will give them more opportunites to receive many forms of aid through state programs. Also, they will still have access to their belonging. Whether it’s money, home or cars; they may be in someone elses name, but your love one will still have use of it all without the possibility of losing these aquired items over their life time. Please do all of the transferring of funds and forms of property legally. it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer that understands the laws and what you can transfer over time. You are trying to avoid paying unnecessary taxes. By moving money or property of home, cars and other items with the guidence of a lawyer; you can avoid possible issues with taxes in the future.
Low Income
There are a lot of forms of aid for seniors. If you are atleast 60 years old and up; there are a variety of free food vouchers available through the state. In addition, the person would have to earn less than 185 percent of the U.S. poverty guidelines for that particular year you are apply. That is about $23,828 for a single person in 2021 and 32,227 for a couple in 2021.
You can also apply for help with food stamps. The amount of funds may vary from p
erson to person. It usually comes in the form of a debit card and can be used typically at supermarkets. There are many convienent stores that accept food stamps as well. A lot of these assisting programs in Connecticut are through the Department of Social Services. The program for food stamps is called Supplemental Nutrition Assistence Program aka SNAP. You can apply by phone, over the website for the Department of Social Services or by asking for an application to be sent to your home. Typically, you would get a reapplication form every year to verify you still would need it. In 2021, the max amount available for SNAP was $204 for an individual and $374 for couples. It may even be more, depending on how many people are living in the home.
Utility Assistence
People who are on a limited budget, meet the 185% of the U.S poverty guidelines for 2021 and are 60 years of age and up can get help with utility assistance. This is typically for electricity and gas. These programs are called LIHEAP or HEAP. You can get up to $1000 towards your utility bills.
Free Legal Aid
This is available all over the U.S.. There are applications availble for help with simple legal cousel, health care advocacy and estate planning. Also, some services include help with wills. This is available on Wheels and AARP’s websites legal cousel for the elderly. Some other places for help would be relief.com. This is for low income. Another low income aid site os lowincomereleif.com/legal-aid.
Property Tax Exemptions
This is something that is available, but varies from state to state. The rules may change even from year to year. So, please do you homework and talk to your town hall’s tax department. Also, contact the state department via website or phone to understand who to speak with. Please get everything in written form when it comes to explanations on how to get tax exemtions. Talking to a tax account may also an option for guidance.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is available to anyone who is at least 65 years old and is low income. This is also something to go through state agency. Usually, the state agencies are a good guide as to where to look or enquire.
HealthCare and Prescription Assistance
There are levels of help you can get for help with prescription drugs. These are all governed by state agencies. Usually you would go through the same group as Department of Social Services. They are a great guide.
Conclusion
All the information I have written about is a guide. Please, do your home work and look up information on state websites and make phone calls. I would always make sure to call as a backup to the information I had read on the state websites. Also, please be aware of websites that look like state websites. Many state website will end in something like .gov or
https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us This is the link for the State if Connecticut Department of Labor. There are many groups out there that are trying to be helpful in exchange for some money. The state websites offer help and guidance free of charge. If you read something that asks for a credit card; please beware. Many of the fake sites offer help, but you can get a lot for no cost. In the beginning stages of trying to figure out this maze. Please be patient. It will all come together. You will make a great network of help. This will make taking of of the special person much easier.
Thank you for allowing me to help you.
Feel free to contact me for any questions or guidance.
Arthur
