When seniors run out of assets (usually less than $2k to $3k) state Medicaid programs will pay for skilled nursing for residents that require that type of care. There are caveats that not all skilled care facilities (most people refer to them as nursing homes) accept the state Medicaid rate and facilities have the option to limit the number of “Medicaid Beds” they accept.

What most people do not realize that the state Medicaid programs can and do “look back” five years to see if any assets were transferred (given) to family members and/or friends. If there are assets that are found that were transferred it will delay the period before that senior is eligible to receive a “Medicaid free skilled nursing bed”. The usual formula is the amount gifted divided by the average skilled nursing rate per month in that state (eg $7k per month). An example is a gift of $70k with a average monthly skilled nursing bed cost of $7k would be a delay of 10 months for that senior before getting their Medicaid benefit.

If you feel that this is a situation that your family could encounter I would recommend seeing a Medicaid planner or an elder car lawyer.

There are many seniors who have some hearing loss but don’t need expensive hearing aids yet. ZVOX which makes excellent TV Soundbars and headphones have designed a “hearing amplifer”. Hearing Amplifers feature a lot of the same technology of expensive hearing aid and cost much less. You typically need multiple doctor visits and will spend $1,500 to $5,000 on hearing aids while ZVOX VoiceBuds cost $299 and our currently on sale for $249 thru Amazon. They are also backed by a 60 day home trial full refund by the very reputable ZVOX. The reviews are good but are not enough help for people with severe hearing loss. The VoiceBuds come in 3 colors (Beige, Champaigne and Gray) and in both right and left models.

There is a growing trend of families that want their loved ones in more “family oriented” places when they can no longer care for their loved one. These residential assisted living facilities are anywhere from 4 to 20 residents per house (most are in the 4 to 6 range). The residents eat their meals at a table like a typical family would. In Minnesota they usually range from $6,500 to $11,000 per month and most will also take dementia patients. Some houses will only take females and you always need to inquire if there any special admission requirements. We toured 5 of these before my fatherinlaw passed away and were impressed with the “feel” of the places and how they did seem more like home versus an institutional feeling. The best ones have waiting lists and like anything, do your homework because some are better than others.

The author chronicles her journey of bringing her elderly father into her home with his limited financial condition. Davida James does a terrific job of explaining the complexities of medicaid, assisted living and legal issues that seniors deal with daily. She does a nice job of boiling down concepts and making them easy to understand.

Her rationale for writing the book was that many of the “experts” were amazed at her acquired knowledge and kept recommending her to write a book. Thanks Davida for spending your energy and time to write the book which should help many seniors and their families.

One of the handiest senior products is one that few people know about. Power Lift Recliners look like the standard recliners that fathers have used for decades. The difference of this recliner is there is a motor in the base and it actually lifts the chair up so the person sitting can transistion to the standing position. Medicare part B may pay a portion of these chairs if ordered by a physician.

Very Intuitive Radio that lets a dementia become independent with many hours of enjoyment. One Touch Radio