What Are The Options If I Need

Care, But Not A Nursing Home?

I am often asked if • Benefit levels vary.
benefits exist to help an They can range up to
aging person who needs as much as $1949 per
help paying for long- month for an eligible
term care, but is not veteran with one
incapacitated to the dependent.
point where a nursing Florida Medicaid
home is absolutely nec- Diversion Program:
essary. Such a person may This program is de-
need help with bathing signed to allow those
or dressing, and the who need nursing
services could be provid- Joseph S. Karp, C.E.L.A. home care to receive
ed either at home, or in care in the communi-
an assisted living facility. ty (at home or in an assisted living
With the current budget crisis, facility) rather than a nursing home.
financial help is indeed sparse. Still, Unfortunately, funds are currently
there are two programs that you frozen for this program and there
should know about. is an extensive waiting list. Space
V.A. Aid and Attendance Benefits: limitations prevent listing of all
If a person needing help at home requirements, but in general they
or placement in an assisted living are:
facility is a veteran or the widow of • Age 65 or older
a veteran, V.A. “aid and attendance” • Require nursing facility level of
benefits may be available. The per- care
son’s disability need not be related • Financial requirements: income

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of no more than $2022 per individ-
to military service.
ual or $4044 for a married
couple. Assets: $2000 for
Listen to Joe Karp and Anita Finley on
an individual, $3000 an
Saturday, May 21 from 7:30-8:00 AM
eligible couple

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on WSBR 740AM and on the
Contact The Karp Law
Internet at www.wsbrradio.com.
Firm to find out more about
V.A. benefits and the current status
Detailed eligibility requirements of the Diversion Program and to dis-
are far too extensive to print here. cover what other options you may
Here is a very rough and oversimpli- have, before you lose everything to
fied list of requirements: nursing home costs.
• Service during certain wartime Joseph S. Karp is a nationally certified
periods. and Florida Bar-certified elder law attor-
• Discharge other than dishonor- ney (C.E.L.A.) specializing in the practice
able. of Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.
• Age 65 or older, or have a perma- His offices are located at 2500 Quantum
nent and total disability. Lakes Drive, Boynton Beach (561) 752-4550;
• Asset requirements: The net worth 2875 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens
of the veteran and/or veteran’s (561) 625-1100; and 1100 SW St. Lucie W.
Blvd., Port St. Lucie (772) 343-8411.
spouse cannot exceed $80,000. Toll-free from anywhere: 800-893-9911.
• Income requirements: There is a E-mail: KLF@Karplaw.com or website
cap on net income. To determine www.karplaw.com.
net income, unreimbursed medical Read The Florida Elder Law and Estate
expenses are deducted from gross Planning Blog at
income. www.karplaw.blogspot.com.