Senior Questions 'N Answers

	Muriel Schackelford

The Messenger has asked Muriel Schackelford to answer questions related to long-term care.

She is regional long-term care ombudsman with Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation with offices in East St. Louis. She visits long-term care facilities in the diocese and advocates for patients’ rights in those facilities.

She has been invited to use this space for a monthly column on the Senior Page to answer your questions. Please send questions to Schackelford at The Messenger: 2620 Lebanon Ave., Belleville, IL 62221 or e-mail Cathnews@peaknet.net

Dear Muriel:
I am the caregiver for my husband, however my doctor has told me that my health is failing and that I should consider nursing home placement for my husband in the very near future. Our disabled daughter also lives with us and I am also her primary caregiver. I am unable to pay privately for his nursing home care. What will happen to our income if my husband is admitted to a nursing home? We are senior citizens.
Thanks,
Hazel R.

Dear Hazel:
When one spouse enters the nursing home, the spouse in the community will be allowed to keep the home, car, and your household furnishings. The Department of Human Services will then determine the value of your other property, such as bank accounts or certificates of deposit. Other property may also be transferred from your spouse to you for your benefit. Depending on how much property you already have (not counting things like the house and the car), your spouse may give you property valued up to $89,280 for 2002. This amount will increase each year. The Department of Human Services will tell you the actual amount your spouse may give to you (If you do not want to call the Department of Human Services for the 2003 amount you may call my office). Income is allowed for dependent family members.

Dependent family members must be living with you and include dependent children under age 21. Dependent adult children and dependent parents or brothers or sisters of you or your spouse are also included. Your husband will be able to keep $30.00 each month for his personal needs. If you do not know where your local Department of Human Services office is or are unable to go to the office, call 1-800-252-8635.

Remember there are many services available to seniors. If the Ombudsman can be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to call 1-800-644-1221.