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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Leroy, your profile doesn't indicate where you live, so I don't know what VA facilities might be available in your area. You have a few options:
1. Do you have your father's DD 214? You'll need it to enroll him for basic medical benefits, which is the initial step before getting additional benefits.
2. Google VA (your area); if there are VA hospitals within driving distance, contact them, and ask to speak to the department for new benefit enrollees. Typically, the VA has it's own nomenclature for departments, but I don't remember them now.
3. If the VA hospital is quite a distance from you, Google "VA, (your county or a close by county). These county VA offices are staffed by educated and qualified staffers who can assist you in getting a DD 214, and in filing the initial application. Once your father is enrolled, the local VA hospital will contact him to set up an appointment
4. Ask about a VA power of attorney so that you can act on your father's behalf, given that he has dementia (per your profile). That way the notices of appointments will come to you rather than your father.
5. If neither of these options are convenient, Google American Legion or VFW and ask where the closest service posts are (or which VA facility) as they also have knowleldgeable staffers whose responsibility is to assist Veterans.
One of our local VAs has office space for the service organizations, so you could also meet with a rep there. They would handle all the paperwork processing; the only thing you'll need to provide is medical information, probably civilian ID cards (once your father is an enrolled Veteran he'll get a VA ID card.).
6. When I re-enrolled my father some years ago, I also had to get status letters from his doctors, so that the VA is aware of what treatment he was getting in the community.
7. The VA offers a prescription service; it used to be a flat rate for most of the meds, but that was years ago and I typically bought Dad's meds at a very good local pharmacy (not one of the chains). Consider carefully whether or not you want to have the VA provide meds; they're efficient, but you have (a) no choice of certain meds, and (b) no choice of supplier.
I believe the VA contracts with suppliers or companies, and they're the ones who provide the meds. You do NOT have a choice of whether to get meds with final manufacturing in the US, as opposed to what used to be called emerging markets. I didn't want end stage manufactured meds from China or India.
In addition, the VA doctor may substitute one med for another. This happened with my father. His VA PCP doctor was also a VA research doctor. She substituted a cardiac med and I didn't know it until we received the package of meds. Consulting with Dad's treating cardiologist, he said he definitely DID NOT WANT Dad to take that med. It just wasn't appropriate for Dad's cardiac condition.
The VA refused to change the order, refused to take the medicine back, and refused to negotiate on the price for the meds Dad couldn't use. So I was stuck paying for meds which Dad shouldn't be using. At that point I withdrew him from the VA pharmacy program and bought meds again through the private sector.
8. Marcia is right; there are companies that exploit Veterans by offering to enroll a Veteran for free. That aspect might be true, but they need to be able to list your father's assets, and this is where they take their "bite" out of your father's funds. Someone I knew outside the VA realm told me this, indicating also that the company will "consider" reinvesting assets with, guess who? Companies they recommend! And they take a cut of that placement and I believe management of those assets.
The person who told me this said just enough for me to understand how that kind of outfit works.
They use the diversion tactic b/c it's illegal to charge Vets for handling a benefit application.
The Veterans Administration is where you want to start. Be very careful of services offered by others that say they will help you get benefits even if they say they are" VA approved". There is a lot of money being made by people who are not acting in the best interest of the veteran. The VA should be a good place to start.
I found this site helpful, too veteranaid.org/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-apply-for-aid-and-attendance-complete-instructions.4369/
We just went through this. The actual filing for Medicaid or VA benefits is not too difficult. But it is very helpful to have an attorney review your financial plans before you file. It's very complicated and mistakes-like improperly moving money, or failing to title assets properly- can be extremely expensive.
Go to PatriotAngels.com They were truly a Godsend for me. My dad is 94. He refused to get VA benefits because he didn't need them as much as other vets do. Patriot Angels will walk you through each step to get benefits. There is no charge. They will help you align everything. From start to finish, it took me 4 months to get my dad's VA benefits approved through them. He now receives all VA benefits.
You could also get some guidance from a local veterans service organization, American legion,VFW, DAV, etc. Most have a trained person that can help with the process.
LeRoy... Call the VA and start there. Also if you have a Veterans Commission Office near you make that your first stop. They will point you in the right direction. The area I live in is VERY Veteran focused and I had great luck getting the info that I needed from the Veterans Commission Office. (If you are not sure just a thought you might want to stop in to the local VFW and ask there if any one has any suggestions) When you call the VA ask to talk to a Social Worker they will be able to help you and get you the names of the people that you should contact.
Through the Veterans Commission Office they can request all his records so it would be easier to determine where he served, what injuries he may have had, what he came in contact with. All this would help in determining if he has a "Service Connected Disability" and what "level" is the disability. There are MANY conditions now that have been traced back to contamination from various chemicals. (No longer is it called exposure to "Agent Orange" but "Agent Rainbow" as there were other chemicals that were used. All of them may be responsible for may conditions, diseases. Cancers, Diabetes, and others) You do not need to pay anyone for the service that the Veterans Commission Office does. You do not need to pay anyone at the VA for the service that they do to help determine qualification.
Start as soon as possible, it takes forever but my understanding is they go back to when you originally filed. I would not recommend an attorney. Just call or go by a local office and start the process. They have a web site, but it can be intimidating sometimes. Good Luck and blessings and peace to you and your Dad.
I haven't looked into it but I've been told of a program called Aging Warriors. Though my research showed it to be the same as Aid and Attendance, I was told by someone who did it that it was different. I suspect, however, that it was a front for applying for Aid and Attendance, because the person who told me about it said they paid the first "paycheck" to the agency who got the money flow starting. I've also read that's not legal. In short, just be careful about which org or agency you use, and ask up front about fees. Personally, for our situation, I wouldn't mind someone going through the rigmarole for us because we three siblings all have other pressing family issues that preclude any of us from diving into the possibility of getting this aid for our mother (my dad served during the Korean War). We did find out that she earns too much now to qualify, but at some point in the near future as her Alzheimer's progresses, that will change. Leroy, good luck to you and your dad.
Thanks for all the good info. I am POA for a veteran who is in a memory care apartment. I called the local VA office to ask how far ahead I should apply for benefits since he still has a lot of money for me to pay his own way. I was told when I get down to the last $100,000 I should begin the application process. By the time it is complete, I will have used up his money and the public benefits will kick in. I had already sold his town house and am using that money for his care. I will need to look into the VA power of attorney process, since it is different from the state one. So far, they are talking to me since I have all his records, discharge info, social security info, etc., but that does't give me any authority. I can also bring him with me to the VA office if that will simplify things. He served 12 years in the Navy before and during the Korean war, so he qualifies. It doesn't sound too complicated, just takes time for things to kick in. Good luck to everyone dealing with this! I hope this will be as easy as it first seems.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
1. Do you have your father's DD 214? You'll need it to enroll him for basic medical benefits, which is the initial step before getting additional benefits.
2. Google VA (your area); if there are VA hospitals within driving distance, contact them, and ask to speak to the department for new benefit enrollees. Typically, the VA has it's own nomenclature for departments, but I don't remember them now.
3. If the VA hospital is quite a distance from you, Google "VA, (your county or a close by county). These county VA offices are staffed by educated and qualified staffers who can assist you in getting a DD 214, and in filing the initial application. Once your father is enrolled, the local VA hospital will contact him to set up an appointment
4. Ask about a VA power of attorney so that you can act on your father's behalf, given that he has dementia (per your profile). That way the notices of appointments will come to you rather than your father.
5. If neither of these options are convenient, Google American Legion or VFW and ask where the closest service posts are (or which VA facility) as they also have knowleldgeable staffers whose responsibility is to assist Veterans.
One of our local VAs has office space for the service organizations, so you could also meet with a rep there. They would handle all the paperwork processing; the only thing you'll need to provide is medical information, probably civilian ID cards (once your father is an enrolled Veteran he'll get a VA ID card.).
6. When I re-enrolled my father some years ago, I also had to get status letters from his doctors, so that the VA is aware of what treatment he was getting in the community.
7. The VA offers a prescription service; it used to be a flat rate for most of the meds, but that was years ago and I typically bought Dad's meds at a very good local pharmacy (not one of the chains). Consider carefully whether or not you want to have the VA provide meds; they're efficient, but you have (a) no choice of certain meds, and (b) no choice of supplier.
I believe the VA contracts with suppliers or companies, and they're the ones who provide the meds. You do NOT have a choice of whether to get meds with final manufacturing in the US, as opposed to what used to be called emerging markets. I didn't want end stage manufactured meds from China or India.
In addition, the VA doctor may substitute one med for another. This happened with my father. His VA PCP doctor was also a VA research doctor. She substituted a cardiac med and I didn't know it until we received the package of meds. Consulting with Dad's treating cardiologist, he said he definitely DID NOT WANT Dad to take that med. It just wasn't appropriate for Dad's cardiac condition.
The VA refused to change the order, refused to take the medicine back, and refused to negotiate on the price for the meds Dad couldn't use. So I was stuck paying for meds which Dad shouldn't be using. At that point I withdrew him from the VA pharmacy program and bought meds again through the private sector.
8. Marcia is right; there are companies that exploit Veterans by offering to enroll a Veteran for free. That aspect might be true, but they need to be able to list your father's assets, and this is where they take their "bite" out of your father's funds. Someone I knew outside the VA realm told me this, indicating also that the company will "consider" reinvesting assets with, guess who? Companies they recommend! And they take a cut of that placement and I believe management of those assets.
The person who told me this said just enough for me to understand how that kind of outfit works.
They use the diversion tactic b/c it's illegal to charge Vets for handling a benefit application.
I found this site helpful, too
veteranaid.org/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-apply-for-aid-and-attendance-complete-instructions.4369/
Call the VA and start there.
Also if you have a Veterans Commission Office near you make that your first stop. They will point you in the right direction.
The area I live in is VERY Veteran focused and I had great luck getting the info that I needed from the Veterans Commission Office.
(If you are not sure just a thought you might want to stop in to the local VFW and ask there if any one has any suggestions)
When you call the VA ask to talk to a Social Worker they will be able to help you and get you the names of the people that you should contact.
Through the Veterans Commission Office they can request all his records so it would be easier to determine where he served, what injuries he may have had, what he came in contact with. All this would help in determining if he has a "Service Connected Disability" and what "level" is the disability. There are MANY conditions now that have been traced back to contamination from various chemicals. (No longer is it called exposure to "Agent Orange" but "Agent Rainbow" as there were other chemicals that were used. All of them may be responsible for may conditions, diseases. Cancers, Diabetes, and others)
You do not need to pay anyone for the service that the Veterans Commission Office does. You do not need to pay anyone at the VA for the service that they do to help determine qualification.
See All Answers