Author: sps

Prepaid Funerals & Medicaid: All You Need to Know

Post author By sps
Post date February 12, 2021

Funeral planning is never on the top of anyone’s to-do list; however, many seniors are unaware that prepaying for their funeral arrangements is one of the expenses that Medicaid allows as part of spend-down. The Department of Human Services recognizes that Medicaid asset requirements ($2,000 in many states) don’t leave beneficiaries with the available funds to have their end-of-life wishes honored without becoming a burden to others. Setting up a prepaid funeral also has the added benefit of locking into current rates even if the price goes up.

Medicaid Connecticut Medicaid Massachusetts Medicaid New Jersey Medicaid New York Medicaid Pennsylvania Medicaid Rhode Island

Medicaid vs. Medicare: What’s the Difference?

Post author By sps
Post date December 30, 2020

The terms Medicaid and Medicare sound almost interchangeable, yet these two healthcare assistance programs differ greatly.

As one of the most frequently asked questions by callers who reach out to the intake department at Senior Planning Services, we’ve found that many people don’t know which program is right for them: Medicare, Medicaid or both?

Last week, one of our intake representatives received a call from Bob. He was calling about his mother Joanne who had been in the hospital for a hip replacement and was moving into a rehab facility. Her funds were dwindling and he was concerned that she would not have the resources to cover her stay. Joanne was already enrolled in Medicare, but the nursing home had advised her that it may not cover her entire stay. With only $10,000 left in funds for Joanne, Bob was afraid that he would be left to foot the bill.

Caregiving Health and Wellness

Dealing with Dementia

Post author By sps
Post date November 27, 2020

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be challenging for patients and caregivers alike. Learn the top strategies for dealing with dementia that can benefit both you and your loved one.

Ask Yes-or-No Questions

Instead of asking, “What would you like for lunch today?”, simplify the question into one that can be answered with a “yes” or a “no.” A question such as, “Would you like chicken and rice for lunch?” is much easier for someone with dementia to answer without becoming anxious.

Caregiving Health and Wellness

8 Tips for Caregivers to De-Stress When the Going Gets Rough

Post author By sps
Post date November 24, 2020

Care-giving , though immensely rewarding, can be extremely taxing both physically and emotionally. If your care-giving duties have you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or painfully exhausted, it is essential that you take a timeout before there is nothing left give. A little ‘me’ time goes a long way, and when you take proper care of yourself, the positive impact is far reaching.

Gifting

Medicaid and Gifting

Post author By sps
Post date November 19, 2020

Understanding the guidelines: IRS vs Medicaid on Gifting

Isn’t it frustrating when we make a mistake simply because we were misinformed? Remember the time that you missed the bus because the receptionist on the phone told you the incorrect time? Or you missed a business meeting because you were given the wrong directions? It certainly is frustrating when mistakes happen that could have been prevented.

While working at Senior Planning Services assisting people with their Medicaid Applications, we often come across people telling us, “I wish I would have spoken to you earlier. I wish I would have known all this five years ago.” The Medicaid guideline of gifting is an area in which there is a lot of confusion and many are misinformed.

Caregiving Health and Wellness

Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living

Post author By sps
Post date October 3, 2020

Are you among the 15 million Americans who devote their time, energy, and money to caring for an elderly loved one? You love your parent or other family member with all your heart, but there may come a time when transitioning to assisted living is best for both of you. Here are the signs to watch for that may indicate it’s time for the transition.

Difficulty Completing Basic Tasks

You do dozens of small things every day that you take for granted, from cooking and eating to cleaning the house and paying bills. If your loved one needs help doing all of these things—whether due to physical or mental limitations—a full-time caregiver may be required. This means it’s time to consider assisted living.