I first completed the application in late June 2022 and due to an error by the VA caseworker, the application has had to be corrected. February 2023 and we are still waiting for a decision. I have been given one excuse after another for the delay. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Her funds are gone and my husband and I are going to have to start paying for her care very soon.
For anyone that has done the fiduciary process, am I able to reimburse myself once that money comes? My mother no longer has the funds to cover her expenses and my husband and I will have to make up the difference until these monies are available.
The first step towards choosing a care home is to get a new needs assessment from social services.
If the assessment suggests a care home would be the best option, the next step is a financial assessment (means test).
The financial assessment will show if the council will pay towards the cost of a care home.
In most cases, the person with dementia will be expected to pay towards the cost.
Social services can also provide a list of care homes that should meet the needs identified during the assessment.
Who pays for care will depend on individual circumstances.
If you're entitled to local council funding, the council will set a personal budget. This will set out the overall cost of a care home, what the council's contribution will be, and what you'll have to pay.
The council must show there's at least 1 suitable care home available at your personal budget level.
If you choose a care home that's more expensive than the council considers necessary, top-up fees may have to be paid.
If the person with dementia isn't eligible for council funding, they'll have to pay the full cost of the care home (known as self-funding).
Matilda
https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/about.asp
Start your letter campaign:
https://www.louisvilleohio.com/index.asp?SEC=AF4EBB7C-2E00-4433-800C-A8D72D23BF60
Contact your US representative (or your mom's, if she lives in a different district).
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
(I don't know how to make this a live link - you'll have to copy/paste if you want to use it.)
Contact here: https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs. I had to do this before too to get what I needed for my service connected disability. Not the same but it got me answers faster.
Prayers
My father fought in two wars for us. He was in the Pacific Naval battles at Pelileu, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was also in the Korean War on the USS Hanson. He spent 8 years in the Navy. His military records are not disputed.
He married my mother and now she is almost 96 years old, housebound and blind with dementia. I have sent their marriage license, a letter certifiying that she is indeed BLIND. I have sent the POA.
That should have been enough. But no. The VA has sent more paperwork 4 additional times which I have dutifully had completed and returned to them.
I have filled out more paperwork that I can believe - have had physical therapist and PA complete forms - have had to get my blind mother to sign paperwork that she can't see because the VA does NOT recognize POA.
I have contacted two of the VA approved "claims agents" in my area have never heard back - only get voicemail. It's beyond ridiculous.
The last package of paperwork that I was sent was right before Christmas and I was told I had 30 DAYS to return it. Well, it was Christmas and I'm just done with the VA and their games.
So I didn't return it and my mother's application has been denied.
It's a shame and disgrace that the VA treats people this way, but they do have a pretty shabby reputation.
yes , call, call again…
good news benefits are retroactive
If you need to look on the bright side any benefits that are due will be retroactive from the date the paperwork was filed.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/applying-for-veterans-benefits-181517.htm
If rejected might she be eligible for medicaid?