Justin, I want to do everything possible to keep my mother at home for as long as it’s safe. But we’re reaching a point where I can’t do everything for her that she needs, and I can’t spend as much time with her as I think her current situation requires. What options do we have? – Sandra
Sandra, Thank you for writing! Many families are in this exact situation and need this information, so I’m glad you brought it up. The first thing you should know is that there are several really good home caregiver agencies out there these days. They specialize in providing the type of care and supervision it appears you’re seeking for your mother.
The problem, of course, is that most families lack the income or resources to pay for homecare for very long. So, the second thing you should know is there’s a special Medicaid program in Arkansas that helps cover homecare costs: AR Choices.
Like any Medicaid program, AR Choices has strict income and asset limits. And there are penalties for gifting or transferring assets out of an applicant’s name before submitting an application. But with the guidance we provide clients every week, it can be easier to qualify than you might think. In fact, recent changes in the laws associated with this benefit have opened up even more creative avenues for qualification.
If your mother already has fairly low income and resources, perhaps it’s best to call the county DHS office. Request an application to see if she can qualify for AR Choices without legal assistance. If you’ve already tried that and hit a roadblock, or if you’re pretty certain she won’t qualify with her current finances, call us. We might be able to help get her the benefits she needs without having to spend her assets down to nothing and without putting her home at risk. We’d love to help.
