Programs available to help pay for elder care; Caregivers Corner

Dear Mary, My siblings and I have gradually taken on more and more of a caregiving role with our elderly parents, and we know we need help. I thought Medicare covered some sort of respite care and was shocked to find it doesn't. How do people pay for care?

Dear Reader, You are not alone in misunderstanding what is covered (and not covered) through Medicare benefits.

Before you start checking on who will pay, you need to determine what kind of care is needed. Skilled care can include nursing checks, wound care, and physical, speech or occupational therapy. Skilled care, whether provided in the home or in a facility, may be paid by Medicare on a short-term basis if determined necessary by your parents' physician.

Some private insurance policies and long-term care insurance policies might also cover in-home and out-of-home services. Each policy is different so it is important you understand your parents' coverage. For those who meet the eligibility criteria, Medicaid may also cover skilled care.

Candidates for adult day medical care programs are generally physically and/or cognitively challenged individuals who would benefit from socialization and functional assistance at these centers. Many attendees are private pay or are covered by long-term care insurance policies.

There are income eligibility programs available but often a wait list for services. Contact the Department of Aging and Disabilities Information and Assistance staff (410-222-4257) to begin the process of eligibility determination. Some adult day medical care programs offer grants so you can check with individual programs to determine what is available.

The Department of Aging and Disabilities facilities a Senior Center Plus program at some of the area senior activity centers. This program offers a level of care between independent senior center participation and adult medical day care with a cost of $20 per day. Call the department for more information.

In-home care workers can assist with personal care, medication reminders, grocery shopping preparing meals, transportation, light housekeeping, and companionship. In-home care can be paid privately, through long-term care insurance (check for restrictions), through income eligibility programs and through grants. In-home care workers are either independent contractors or home care agency staff.

The Department of Aging and Disabilities Respite Care Referral Program staff can assist you with finding an independent contractor who has been screened and educated through the department or can provide you with a list of home care agencies working in Anne Arundel County.

For those who are veterans or the spouse of a veteran, it is best to speak with staff at the Veterans Administration to determine which respite programs, in or out-of-home, that are available.

Through the Maryland Lifespan Respite Grant, the Department of Human Resources is now offering an Emergency Respite Grant of $225 per family annually. In order to access these funds in an emergency, it's best to plan ahead and pre-register.

For more information and to pre-register, contact the Elizabeth Cooney Personnel Agency Inc. at 410-323-1700.

Dear Mary, I recently attended one of the department's Communicating through Behaviors workshops and found it very helpful in understanding my husband's behaviors. Although I continue to feel overwhelmed at times, I try to incorporate some of the communication tips you gave us and I do see a difference in him when I do so. Thank you for what you and your team does.

Dear Reader, Thank you for taking time out of your already hectic day to share with me. I understand how difficult it can be to remember the different techniques we spoke of at the workshop, but you will find that they will become second nature after a while. And the positive responses you will see in your husband will only reinforce your hard work!

For those of you who have not yet attended this workshop, I encourage you to do so. The Communicating through Behaviors with Dementia Live is an experiential-style workshop allowing you to walk in the shoes of your loved one who is living with dementia. Some of the key communication tips and tools that are discussed include:

*Communication is more than words

*Keep it simple

*Be in their moment

*Limit choices

*Never argue

*Erase the word "remember" from your vocabulary

There are still some slots available for the May 15 session which will be held from 6:30 from 8:30 p.m. at the department's north county office at 7320 Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie.

Pre-registration is required by calling 410-222-4375/4339.

Questions and comments can be sent to Mary Chaput at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, or by contacting 410-222-4339 or agchap01@aacounty.org.

Credit: Mary Chaput - Questions and comments can be sent to Mary Chaput at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, or by contacting 410-222-4339 or agchap01@aacounty.org.