Independence, dignity, Respect

Resources for Seniors

Studies show that seniors who remain in the comfort of their homes live longer and happier. When a care need arises, families and their loved ones believe the only answer is to end up in a nursing home or other institutions. That might not be the only answer. Discover other programs that can help seniors remain at home for life.
 
Caregiver helping senior woman outside

Alzheimer's Toolbox

Tender Rose designed the Alzheimer’s Tool Box™ to help you quickly find the best caregiving tools and information on the Internet. We evaluated thousands of resources and identified the best. These tools include books, pamphlets, interactive websites, and videos. Best of all, they are free, and they come from reliable sources you can trust.

What is a VA home aid and attendance?

These are financial benefits available for veterans or their surviving spouses. The Veterans Administration has established a pension program whereby your purchase and personal care and attendant home services may be paid for through your acquired pension. You have to meet certain criteria and these include:

Veterans must have served 1 day during an active war and had no less than a 90-day service. The following are the VA’s defined “periods of war”

You must have a doctor’s order insisting you need the aid and attendance of another person daily.
 
You must have less then 80K in checking and savings and even less if you are applying as a single (not including your home or vehicles). If you have IRAs and CDs they are included as income.
 
You must have received an honorable discharge or general discharge.
 
You may not qualify if you are on state assistance (Medicaid or another subsidized program due to your low income).

What is long-term care insurance?

Long term care insurance is an insurance that can help pay for home care, nursing home and assisted living. Depending on the terms of your policy, it can cover much of your in-home care cost.

What are Medicaid/Medicare?

Medicaid is a program run jointly by the federal government and the state it is designed to help people who are impoverished to pay for long term care. In order for Medicaid to pay for long term care, you must meet certain income and asset criteria.

Medicare does not pay for non-medical home care services, adult day care, assisted living, custodial care in a nursing home. However, Medicare pays for rehab care in a nursing home, skilled nursing care in the home for 30 days and nursing home care up to 90 days.

What is a reverse mortgage?

A “reverse” mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there. With a reverse mortgage, you can turn the value of your home into cash without having to move or repay the loan each month. These funds can then be used to pay for home care.

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