Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Page 14 Senior Times - April 2023
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102 Battle Creek, MI 49017
carewellservices.org
My Medicare Matters - Medicaid Redeterminations Restarting
How to Provide Care While Respecting Independence
By: Colleen Acker, BeWell Activities Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
Independence can mean different things to different people. Those with dementia and other health issues often equate independence with the ability
to care for themselves. This often becomes difficult as health conditions progress. However,
it is important for a person’s well-being to be included in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and household chores. Though they may not be able
to execute these tasks fully,
the involvement itself provides structure and stability to their day. As the need for more help becomes evident, caregivers must continually pivot to get the needed care in place. Here is an example of how one caregiver, Angela, consistently anticipated and responded to her mother’s changing needs.
By: Karen Courtney Programs Director CareWell Services SW
Not sure if you have Medicaid? If your federal Social Security income letter shows you are paying $0 for your Medicare Part B premium, it is likely
that you are receiving State Medicaid assistance in paying that $164.90 premium, via the Medicare Savings Program Buy- In. If you have Medicare, plus Medicaid “with a spend-down” or a deductible, you are covered by this Medicare Savings Program, and you will be getting a redetermination letter in the coming months.
The Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will begin eligibility redeterminations in June now that the public health emergency is ending.
Redetermination letters will request fresh income and asset information from all persons who receive state Medicaid assistance from the Medicare Savings Program. Social Security income statements, pension statements, Investment statements, bank and credit union statements, assets, and titled property are some of the documents you may need for redeterminations.
Persons with Medicare and any level of Medicaid should promptly open all mail from MDHHS. Redetermination letters often have a short window of time for turning in the paperwork, sometimes just a few days. You can request a ten-day extension BEFORE the deadline date. Failure to turn
in the required documentation proofs timely will result in your Medicaid case being canceled, and your Medicare Part B Premium will then be taken out of your Social Security money.
It can take several MONTHS to reapply and return to the Buy-In program, if your case is canceled. Don’t short yourself $164.90 each month! Open your mail!
If you have Medicare and need help completing your Medicaid Redetermination, call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174.
My mother always lived nearby, which made it easy to check in and make sure she was doing okay. We purchased her groceries and other supplies for her. We took her to her doctor's appointments and filled her pill case weekly. We did much of
her yard work and moved her laundry facilities to her main floor. She was able to prepare
her own simple meals but did not eat as often as she should have. She began having more health issues and difficulty maintaining her weight. Trips to the hospital were becoming more frequent. At this point we realized she needed to move into our home. Keeping her with us would allow her
the freedom she deserved while having more supervision.
the house and outside.
I do all of her shopping,
has everything she needs to be comfortable when away from the house.
Due to our house being two- story, we gave her our master bedroom on the main floor. She has her own bathroom that we equipped with a raised toilet seat, bars to aid in getting on and off the toilet, and a shower with a wand and chair. She has a bed with safety railing that raises or lowers at the head. I assist her with her showers, but she can get herself onto the shower seat. I wash her hair and she washes the rest of her body with a shower wand. Then I assist her with getting dressed.
She rarely makes her own food, but we have a drawer with things like Boost, snack cakes, crackers, small containers of soup, and other small, easy to open munchies. She is able to
be alone while I am at work
as she can use the bathroom independently. I put some fruit out for her before I leave. She makes her own coffee and gets a light lunch. I make dinner for her every night.
We try to help her continue to enjoy things that she did in the past, like puzzles, game shows, playing cards, and helping any way she can in the flower garden. We take her to family events
like weddings and make sure she
This narrative perfectly illustrates the journey of many caregivers. As one ability fades, the caregiver steps up to put modifications or assistance in place. Angela demonstrates an understanding that the person being cared for needs the grace and dignity to care for themselves as long as possible. Their story beautifully represents what it means to respect independence.
She has a recliner with power assist in the living room along with all her breathing equipment. We got her a walker, with wheels and a seat, to help her get around
CareWell Services SW, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, has many programs that help caregivers and the people they care for. We advocate
for continued independence, empowerment, equity, and safeguarding of rights for seniors, persons with disabilities, and caregivers. Classes, social opportunities, exercise, referrals, support groups, and financial assistance are available. Call (269) 966-2450 for more information.
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719 General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
laundry, and bills. I schedule
and take her to all appointments, order medication, and fill her pill box. Palliative care visits
are scheduled at least every
six months to help manage her chronic illness. She also has an emergency button in case of falls or other emergencies. We have
a great friend that is willing to come to our house to cut and style her hair.
I just know that no one wants to give up their independence, and I knew she needed help.”
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE