Financial assistance

DL66nSC25

Hello Everyone, my husband (82) was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I (57) have worked most of our marriage but am no longer able to as I have to be home to take care of him. It is a significant drop in our monthly income. Can anyone tell me if there is financial assistance available. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

SDianeL

welcome. Sorry about your husbands diagnosis. Unfortunately there isn’t much financial assistance. If you qualify financially in some states he can have Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid pays for some things Medicare doesn’t. You may also qualify for food stamps. I would call your county agency on aging who should be able to tell you what help is available. If your husband is a veteran you may get help there if you qualify. Also make an appointment with an Elder Care Attorney. Come here often for info and support.

AlzWife2023

If your spouse can qualify for Medicaid, there are Adult family/foster care programs administered by your state that will pay a friend or family member a stipend to care for a PWD, but spouses are usually not eligible —which is nuts. Some people get divorced at this stage to qualify for certain help. If you’re an unmarried couple you can qualify.

tboard

I am in a similar situation in that I can no longer work full time and care for DH. Financial assistance where I live is through the county and the state. In my case we don’t get financial assistance because we have “assets”. Our income is very low at this point and I am expected to start spending the money I put away for retirement and at some point we will qualify for help. I haven’t decided what to do. I have kind of dug in. I cut our spending way back. I used to think we would retire one day and maybe travel a bit. Instead he will die and I will live in poverty.

DL66nSC25

thank you everyone for your info and your care. My heart goes out to you as well as my prayers. So crazy there is no help for those who care for those who can no longer care for themselves.