Are you sure you want to exit? Your progress will be lost.
Who are you caring for?
Which best describes their mobility?
How well are they maintaining their hygiene?
How are they managing their medications?
Does their living environment pose any safety concerns?
Fall risks, spoiled food, or other threats to wellbeing
Are they experiencing any memory loss?
Which best describes your loved one's social life?
Acknowledgment of Disclosures and Authorization
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.
✔
I acknowledge and authorize
✔
I consent to the collection of my consumer health data.*
✔
I consent to the sharing of my consumer health data with qualified home care agencies.*
*If I am consenting on behalf of someone else, I have the proper authorization to do so. By clicking Get My Results, you agree to our Privacy Policy. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from us and our customer communities. Your consent is not a condition to using our service. Please visit our Terms of Use. for information about our privacy practices.
Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
Remember, this assessment is not a substitute for professional advice.
Share a few details and we will match you to trusted home care in your area:
Yes, I just finished the paperwork. It is time intensive, but well worth it.
I would highly recommend having a organization or company who can help you. The paperwork itself is not difficult (just lots of gathering of info.), but companies who deal with this on a regular basis just know how the system works.
Like anything else, you have to choose a company carefully. If your Mom is considering an ALF, they may have a company that they use and will do it for you at no charge (because it is in their best interests to do so.) If you are doing home care, I would still call reputable ALFs in your area and ask who they use.
The director at my Mom's ALF said that she thought she could do the paperwork on her own. It took her twice as long and she was turned down initially. I, too, tried calling the VA when my Mom first moved here and got absolutely nowhere.
In the meantime, gather all your records: the veteran's discharge papers, birth cert., death cert., marriage license, your Mom's birth cert., etc. They will ask for a recent bank statement that shows her monthly income. You will need all her medical records for the last 12 months. Each doc, rehab, and hospital has their own policy, so start right away - then follow up with phone calls if you do not receive the records in a week or so. Some charge - but will waive the fee if you have them sent to her current primary care doctor. You will also need an evaluation by her current physician...but this all has to be done in order and on certain forms. That is why it is nice having someone to help guide you.
The best advice I was given, was to document all the things your Mother needs on a daily basis. List all the care items she uses: oxygen, braces, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, lift chairs, bathroom modifications, or even if she takes your arm to get around. Include all care you provide as well as that of any paid caregivers. Add anything that effects ADLs. The VA seems to focus more on mobility.
Take a look at the VA form that the doctor needs to fill out and give the doctor as much information as you can because they do not see your Mom on a regular basis. List all her physical conditions, such as: PD, arthritis, heart issues, etc.
That's all I can think of for now...please ask if I left anything out.
Thank you Lilliput for the information. luvmom, I was just looking for general information. How long did it take to get a response for your mom? Did you get turned down in the beginning or did she get the pension on the first try?
I learned the hard way. I had help from Moms daycare and from a VA person who gave me wrong info, and I trusted him. It was over a year and a half before she got into the program.The normal return time at the daycare for several of the friends I met there was a year. But, I then was told about a company that does it for you and the turn around time is only 3 months because they do it right. They also give you a cash flow analysis on IF you should even try. They know how to do it, how to word things, and if you will qualify. I dont recommend doing it yourself, its a ton of headaches and paperwork. You can get service discharge numbers online, etc, it was a ton of work. Your Dr fills out a form and says if the patient has at least 3 things needing help, etc... These professional companies have a straight fax line right into the VA and its gets done fast and free. If you have major issues, they charge $500 to do it for you forever, as it needs to be updated yearly. That might seem like a lot but if you are going to receive double that monthly, its well worth it! Its worth a call to them to even see if its worth all the effort. They can have assetts/money, it all depends on the care needed , daycare, a CNA to help you out. etc. The rule of thumb I seems to feel was is there more money monthly needed for care verses the monthly money coming into the house. Good luck, hop this helped.
luvmom has a really good point: the VA does not go by income alone in order for you to qualify. It is the income vs. what care your parent will need that qualifies them. When I initially called the VA they told me Mom's income was slightly too high so she did not qualify. I took their word for it and missed out on several years that she could have received the benefit. The staff at the company who helped us were very efficient and kept me on track for all the paperwork they needed. You will receive retro active payments starting from the date you officially filed. Again, get references for companies who do this from reputable sources. There are a lot of businessses out there who overcharge, just do this as a side line, and are not dedicated to VA applications solely. Good luck...it is definitely worth your time and effort.
hi i did all my mother's paperwork myself...and to my surprise she was approved in 35 days. you must ask for expedition in processing application due to veteran's age. this may help.
The Veteran's Administration FORBIDS anyone to charge for this service. The businesses that do are charging illegally and need to be reported to the VA so that they don't fleece others. Some people don't charge for the service, but instead move your loved one's money around so that they make a big commission on annuities that will make your loved one financially eligible for V.A. aid and Attendance, but then when their money runs out and they need to get on Medicaid, they are ruled ineligible. Whomever you go to, make sure that they do things that will leave your loved one eligible for both programs. You never know, your loved one may outlive their money!
Anon13319 - thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience. We are just beginning to gather the info required to see if my MIL would qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. It looks like I have my work cut out for me - but your list of what is needed will help. I just sent for my MIL's marriage certificate. Didn't realize they would need copies of birth certs. too. I just hope we haven't waited too long - my MIL just suffered a slight stroke and it would be good to deal with this as soon as possible. Thankfully, she didn't suffer serious or lasting damage. Thanks to everyone who commented.
I spoke to those people at aidandattedance, and my amazement, and to have noticed the price tag above that you mentioned. really does amaze me. my question is. I have been my husband's caregiver for going on 3 years. he also had a stroke and in addition to that, he has seizures, and ptsd. will they compensate a spouse of a veteran? I also know that a field officer of any va located in your area is suppose to also help, and also any vet's primary care doctor's. caseworker. this information is within the veterans administration web site. I did not realize that outsiders are not suppose to charge for to be compensated tohave some one quailified for aid and attendance...
I purchased the book Checks for Vets on Amazon - which is a detailed, step by step instruction manual for applying and filling out all the forms and even has a copy of the form in the book. I also talked to VA and the officer there was very kind and had some good suggestions. He directed me to the VA website where I printed out a form to take to her doctor - she must be 'evaluated' first. They must meet certain disability type requirements too. I am sure she does :0) I did not realize we needed birth certificates - so much get those ordered asap. We have the ball rolling - but it rolls very slowly :-(
Wonderful assistance. Contacted me quickly, sent forms, assited in completing and reviewed for errors and additional info needed. Due to the help I recieved my mother application was approved without any difficuties. I would definitly advise to contact
The VA requires alot of documentation. When I was applying for my mom's VA benefit, I physically went to the doctor's offices and picked up the medical records they needed to save time. Anything you can do to same time is worth doing. I also had my daughter and myself prepare a statement on my mom's declining health and her need of daily assistance on normal daily activities. It took my mom's package to get approve from Jul 29th to Oct 29th. I was told that was very quick. Don't forget to make yourself a complete copy of the package for future reference. It won't be the first form you will need to fill out. Mom has been approved since last July and I already had to do 2 forms and needed that copy of the original package. Good luck. You will need DD 214s, birth certificate, marriage certificate and divorce papers (if applicable).
The nursing home assisted me with these forms and applications. It has been well over a year and I get monthly letters stating they (VA) are still reviewing her application yet no decision or check for Mom as yet.
You need to contact VA personally and find out what the problem is and are they needing more documentation. It is the government and we need to continue to push them. It could be sitting on someone's desk and growing dust. I wouldn't think the nursing home has a vested interest as you would They are getting their money and they don't care where it comes from at all. I was given a contact in the VFW organization to follow up on my case. I didn't need it because it went so quickly.
WHY does this site keeps passing around old posts that people have already answered 1 and 2 years ago without HIGHLIGHTING this is OLD? Seems like we get on to help and then realize its an old message and with what we are all going thru , who has time for old posts? LOL !
I've been trying to get Aid and Attendance for my dad now and its been a year and 6 months and I have a stack of documentation over 4 inches in height. I am working with a VA Officer in Florida (Land o lakes) who appears to be caring and knowledgeable, but also appears to be a 'front' for the VA. Needless to say the process has been dragging. My dad is 90 years old. His claim has been escalated at least 3 times and to no avail. I have spoken to a VA attorney since then and plan to move in this direction. The VA has given me nothing but the run-a-round and lots of time has been spent meeting with the officer, collecting paper work etc. They do need the amount of income, but also the cost of care (all ADL's,equipment, cost of an ALF etc). I provided this and my dad's expenses outweighs his income by a lot, and they still denied him. I find that the Bay Pines regional office here in St. Petersburg, Florida is completely useless and run by a bunch of people who are not advocating for the veteran - instead they seem to be blocking it to avoid paying the retro-pay and granting monthly benefits What a way to say thank you to a veteran! I'm over it! I wish all of you the best. I am still pursuing this to make a point and get what is his, but this organization needs a 100% revamp
I used this company and they know EXACTLY how to do it, its noe near Florida but I bet they will still do it for you as its all done online. They got my check (retroactive) for me after I tried myself (17months), in less than 3 months.
P.S. I wanted to add that they do it FREE, but after I got help from the VA themselves, they screwed up and almost caused me to NOT get anything, I did pay $500 and its for LIFE that they help you. It was well worth it as we now get $1067.00 monthly
this post is especially for u yvmartinez: you need to contact your congressman because they have people in their office who deals with just the va. the va has to get back to your congressman office within a set number of days.you need to do this immediately and i pray this will resolve your issue for your parent. my mother receive aid and attendance and it took only 35 days for her to be approved.
I am just starting this process with my Mother and have a question. Does anyone know if there is a cap on the amount of assets? My Mother has a little over $100,000 in CD, Should I continue with the paperwork or is she just going to get denied because of her assets? Thank you for any help...
It all depends, she CAN have that much depending on what you spend on her care monthly. Medical daycares count as medical expenses or caretakers in your home, etc. I used elder benefits consulting for a free estimate on the phone.
Thank you. I am my Mothers caregiver in her home for the last year. I am a registered nurse and of course I am not charging for my services but it is becoming a financial strain for me as I am unable to work at this time. My solution would be for the family to pay for my services but they are unwilling to do this. It is crazy because the reason she has been able to save money is because I am here doing all the shopping and paying for it all. I guess she will just have to pay the hugh amount for assisted living.
You should be charging, therefore she WILL get the A&A funds~! Make out a contract and start charging her and she will get funding. IF she cannot stay alone, she is considered needing fulltime care. IN fact the A&A can pay you for your services to her.IF you have any questions write me again, Hang in there!
I just sent out all the paperwork to the VA today for the benefits. There were forms to fill out and her MD had to do a little 2 page assessment. If Reverseroles is out there I have a question regarding my ability to have a contract with her for my services. I am an RN and am not even making minimum wage doing this 24/7 hour a day job. On the paperwork under medical expenses I charged $800/month for my services as an in home aide. I am hoping that this will bring her expenses up enough for her to qualify. She has to qualify!! I am going broke taking care of her.
Hi, I am here, its more like $900 a WEEK. You should be getting way more than that. $15 an hour for 8 hours a day and 10 hours a day on weekends, this will bring you up to be qualified more. Tell me more, are you the POA and is your mom competent? Did you call the free VA assessment place I posted? Send me an email please if you have more questions, people do that paperwork free and not the VA, those people arent qualified and work for them against you.
Thank you Reverseroles. I was low balling the amount but I really want her to qualify. I did all the paperwork myself with help from an internet site about what to fill in and what documents to send. I have heard that the VA works against you but have also heard of people charging exorbitant amounts of money so I was a little leery. I am not my Mothers POA. She is competent but cannot be left alone because of fall risk and memory decline. I figure that I will be getting more paperwork from the VA to fill out and the phone number you posted will come in handy at that time. Thank you for taking the time to answer - I feel so alone at times with this situation.
Hadenough, I went thru it 17 months, it was a nightmare and finally got it. Youre not alone, I am here and going through the same. Will your Mom sign a contract willing to pay you? Remember if you didnt care for her, it would cost $15-$25 an hour for someone else and they dont sleep over for free! Why would you not get paid and then the siblings get equal amounts in the end right? I am here, sounds like you are just beginning with your Mom, its a long journey so keep in touch. PSthe average money I gave you to charge is what a lawyer/accountant told me to do, the nights I do not charge and I have been doing it free now for over a year. Its not the money for me now, we have spent it down and now spent it back for Moms care, I prefer TIME off now. Take care
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.
I would highly recommend having a organization or company who can help you. The paperwork itself is not difficult (just lots of gathering of info.), but companies who deal with this on a regular basis just know how the system works.
Like anything else, you have to choose a company carefully. If your Mom is considering an ALF, they may have a company that they use and will do it for you at no charge (because it is in their best interests to do so.) If you are doing home care, I would still call reputable ALFs in your area and ask who they use.
The director at my Mom's ALF said that she thought she could do the paperwork on her own. It took her twice as long and she was turned down initially. I, too, tried calling the VA when my Mom first moved here and got absolutely nowhere.
In the meantime, gather all your records: the veteran's discharge papers, birth cert., death cert., marriage license, your Mom's birth cert., etc. They will ask for a recent bank statement that shows her monthly income. You will need all her medical records for the last 12 months. Each doc, rehab, and hospital has their own policy, so start right away - then follow up with phone calls if you do not receive the records in a week or so. Some charge - but will waive the fee if you have them sent to her current primary care doctor. You will also need an evaluation by her current physician...but this all has to be done in order and on certain forms. That is why it is nice having someone to help guide you.
The best advice I was given, was to document all the things your Mother needs on a daily basis. List all the care items she uses: oxygen, braces, wheelchairs, canes, walkers, lift chairs, bathroom modifications, or even if she takes your arm to get around. Include all care you provide as well as that of any paid caregivers. Add anything that effects ADLs. The VA seems to focus more on mobility.
Take a look at the VA form that the doctor needs to fill out and give the doctor as much information as you can because they do not see your Mom on a regular basis. List all her physical conditions, such as: PD, arthritis, heart issues, etc.
That's all I can think of for now...please ask if I left anything out.
luvmom, I was just looking for general information. How long did it take to get a response for your mom? Did you get turned down in the beginning or did she get the pension on the first try?
Again, get references for companies who do this from reputable sources. There are a lot of businessses out there who overcharge, just do this as a side line, and are not dedicated to VA applications solely.
Good luck...it is definitely worth your time and effort.
i did all my mother's paperwork myself...and to my surprise she was approved in 35 days. you must ask for expedition in processing application due to veteran's age. this may help.
Thanks to everyone who commented.
Seems like we get on to help and then realize its an old message and with what we are all going thru , who has time for old posts?
LOL !
PSthe average money I gave you to charge is what a lawyer/accountant told me to do, the nights I do not charge and I have been doing it free now for over a year. Its not the money for me now, we have spent it down and now spent it back for Moms care, I prefer TIME off now.
Take care