Off topic- Mom situation
(((Julia))) I know how frustrating it can be trying to get help of ANY kind when you need it!!! I have been there myself with Gary....You need to get LOUD and CRY and pound your fists on the tables and they will listen...how about a social worker at the hospital? Not sure if you have tried that or I can't think now what they called it in Michigan...dam I hate these moments!!! GRRRRRRR anyhow its for the seniors that need help to get placed in a nursing home etc....anyhow contact the senior center and I am sure they can tell you who/what to contact for this info on help!!! Dam I can't think of it now!!! There has to be some type of help out there to help you so you don't end up in the looney bin yourself while doing this for her!!!! My heart goes out to you Julia!!!! So don't feel bad about posting when you need to vent!!!
HUGS
OK I just remembered the name of the organization...its the Commission on Aging. Do you have one in your area?? If so contact them and they can direct you on how to get help for your mom. If not, maybe any of the Senior centers might be able to help you out? Might be worth a try....gosh Julia I am so sorry that you have to go through this...HUGS
I recently went through all that red tape with VA and I know how frustrating it can be. I would suggest that you speak with a local VA rep if there is one near you. Your situation is more complicated than mine was. Many of the VA offices have been closed so you may not have one close to you. I didn't. I would have had to go to New Orleans. My claim was processed in Minnesota. Go figure. If you find someone to speak to and help you determine is she is really eligeable be prepared to wait 9 months or so for your first benefit chec k. They will pay from the date they receive the claim form but you will still have to jump through hoops before it is approved and it takes a long time.
Don't give up with the first refusal. When my dad died we asked if my mother was entitled to benefits and was told no. We figured they knew what they were talking about. I discovered when my mom was going into the nursing home that that info was wrong. I could have gotten back payments if it had been within a year of his death but it had been 6 years so I couldn't. My mom should have been receiving survivor's benefits since 2003. She has them now so that helps.
You may want to start check ing into medidcaide. They will pay when the patient has no money left . Most nursing homes I know of accept medicaid. My mom still has funds but when they run out Medicaid will step in. They will take all of her social security check except the premiums for her medicare supplement insurance and 40 dollars or so for sundries. The difference between that figure and what she owes the nursing home will be picked up by medicaid.
There are so many headaches trying to get all this figured out but you just have to slug along.
I understand your frustration and sorrow. You know we are all here for you.
