Expert: Michalene Peticca - 12/2/2006

Question
She has all the symptoms of dimenti....she refuses to get a hearing aid....so..it makes it worse.  She is on medicare....I don't know how to get her on Medicaid...
I am trying to keep her at home as long as I can....she has lived with me 40 yrs.  Her insurance is HIP.  I had her to a neuroligist a few years ago....she's gotten much worse.
She is on high blood pressure med. plus she has gloucoma...so we have to give and watch her take medication.
My daughter was been through breast cancer...I...throat.  Last December...I was hit head on in a car..broke every rib...hip....shoulder blade..both lungs collapsed..and I have been in PT ever since.  To tell you my page is full...is an understatement.  My mom is very hard to deal with....she can be abusive....but..I'm trying to hang in.  I would like to know about getting her on Medicaid...and anything else you can offer me.  I thank you for your help...Diana

Answer
Hello Diana,

It sounds like you have so much going on in your life and i truly respect your ability to handle all of it!

Being 94 is going to have some challenges in itself for your mother.  Even "normal" aging at this point has some short term memory deficits and physical challenges. (like your mom's hearing).  So, she is probably normal for her age.

I would go to your County Office of Aging and they have the Medicaid forms to fill out.   A caseworker should be able to help you and you will need to provide the last 3 years of bank statements or IRS tax forms as well as other documents for approval.  They will walk you through it.  

My admiration for your endurance and caring for your family.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA