Riverhead Home Care Lawyer

When our law firm commits to you, we offer comprehensive life-care planning coordinated by our experienced social workers and nurses. Whether you need nursing home care or prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home, we are here to help. We understand that many people wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible—homes where they have built a lifetime of memories and raised their families.

The cost of in-home care varies widely, depending on whether you need some help with housework and personal care or around-the-clock skilled nursing care. To make sense of what you need and how to afford it, talk to one of our Riverhead home care lawyers for compassionate advice.

Medicare Home Care

For seniors covered by Medicare Parts A and B, limited skilled nursing and therapy services are available, up to eight hours a day and 28 hours a week, as ordered by a physician. These services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as medical supplies like blood sugar monitors and test strips.

However, Medicare does not cover nursing home care, meal delivery, round-the-clock care, housekeeping, or personal care services if those are the only services required. Qualified recipients must have difficulty leaving their homes or a doctor’s order prohibiting them from leaving. Our attorneys and support staff could assess whether your needs are adequately met by the home care covered by original Medicare.

Medicaid Home Care Services

Medicaid is available to individuals with limited financial means, currently defined as those with countable assets of $31,175 for individuals and $42,312 for couples. The income caps are currently $1,752 per month for individuals and $2,371 for couples.

There are strategies to qualify for Medicaid when services exceed what Medicare will cover, such as spending down assets, gifting, or placing assets in a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. Note that Medicaid eligibility rules have changed in recent years and, when fully integrated, will introduce a 30-month lookback period for asset transfers, which will impose a waiting period for Medicaid eligibility. There is a brief window before this new rule takes effect, during which time transferring assets will not result in a penalty. Consult with a Riverhead home care attorney to develop a plan that meets your family’s needs.

What Medicaid Home Care Covers

When a person experiences serious healthcare issues and requires long-term care or extended care after a hospital stay, Medicaid provides several options, including:

• Certified Home Health Care Aides: For hands-on assistance with daily activities
• Visiting Registered Nurses: Part-time services that include therapy, nutritional support, and medical equipment use
• Personal Care Home Attendants Level 1: Help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, laundry, and home cleaning
• Personal Care Home Attendants Level 2: Assist with bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, walking, and medication administration
• Trained Family Members: Family members, excluding spouses, who are paid to provide similar services as those offered by agencies

Our home care lawyers in Riverhead coordinate care based on individual needs, alleviating the burden on families who might otherwise struggle with interpreting complex government regulations or understanding the impact of new lookback periods.

Let a Riverhead Home Care Attorney Advocates for Your Family’s Needs

Coordinating home care and navigating Medicare and Medicaid rules can be overwhelming. The recent changes to Medicaid eligibility make it crucial to plan ahead to avoid potential ineligibility. You have cherished years in your home, surrounded by your personal treasures and memories. If there is a way to continue enjoying that environment, we are here to help make it possible.

Let a Riverhead home care lawyer coordinate your care and assist you in making informed decisions about your home care options. Contact the firm today.