Where is the best place to start pulling the string in starting to look for assistance with my 80-yo mother and 88-yo dad. They make just above Medicaid limit, have no savings and have lived with me (only surviving child and working full-time) for 5-6 years. She fell and broke her hip in late Feb. Dad is barely mobile. I’ve always been active, but can’t leave the house now to go somewhere for a day or two.
Are you the PoA for either parent? Is anyone their PoA? Need answers to these questions so you can get the best guidance.
Your Mom may now be a candidate for LTC, which is what Medicaid pays for in most states (plus their SS benefit). A doctor needs to assess them as needing LTC. Maybe your Dad would qualify, too. Talk to their docs. Then I would consult with a Medicaid consultant for your state, to strategize how they can financially qualify.
Have you contacted the local Area Agency on Aging? It's generally the best place to start.
Heres the link:
https://aging.nm.gov/services/senior-services/area-agency-on-aging-aaa
You want to ask them for a "needs assessment " for your parents. This will give you an indication of how much assistance they need with what tasks. You can also ask for a case manager to be assigned.
Having the "I can't do this anymore" conversation is quite literally the hardest thing I've ever done. But being honest with my mother about what I could and couldn't do vis a vis her caregiving needs was a necessary step in getting her what she needed to keep her safe (and employed).