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Elder Care FAQWhat does the Economic Stimulus Package mean for older adults? Will I be forced to buy a digital TV soon? Are elderly people eligible for food stamps? Since my father died, the house is too much for my mother to keep up. What are her housing options? If my spouse has to go to a nursing home, how will we pay for it? What does the Economic Stimulus Package mean for older adults? First: they have to file Federal income tax to apply for this benefit. Second: they need to have a minimum of $500 of earned income. The minimum earnings allowed are $3,000, but Congress passed an exception. If a senior is collecting Social Security, railroad retirement, or Veterans’ Benefits like a pension or disability compensation, then this benefit can be added to $500 of earnings to meet the minimum $3,000. Earned income can be:
What is the benefit? $300-$600 for an individual $600-$1200 for a couple an additional $300 for a dependent When will they get it? It is scheduled to be distributed in May 2008. NOTE: seniors can get help filing a tax return by contacting their COA/Senior Center and scheduling an appointment for free tax return assistance. For more information: www.socialsecurity.gov/enews/ Will I be forced to buy a digital TV soon? No. But changes are coming that every consumer with a TV will want to understand. Congress has passed a law which requires that as of midnight, February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations have to stop broadcasting in analog format, and broadcast only in digital. All-digital broadcasting means a better picture and sound quality, and will free up frequencies for more wireless services for consumers. But if you currently own an analog TV, you are going to have to purchase a digital tuner box that converts your TV from analog to digital. If you have an analog TV, but you are hooked up to a cable TV or satellite TV service, you don't need to do anything further. Because of the new digital TV changes, you have three options:
The first step is to figure out if your TV is analog. If you receive TV broadcasts using an antenna, such as "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna, you are probably analog. If your TV says on it "Digital Tuner," or "DTV," "ATSC" or "HDTV," then you are digital and don't need a converter box. If you see "analog" or "NTSC" anywhere, you will need a converter. If you can't tell what kind of TV you've got, write down the manufacturer's name and model number found on the TV, and call a retail electronics store in your area, and ask them if your model has a digital tuner. If your TV is analog, and you need a converter, the federal government (taxpayers) will provide you with two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used to buy a digital-to-analog converter box. Remember: if you have cable or satellite service, you don't need a converter. You can order these coupons regardless of your household income, but you have to ask for coupons no later than March 31, 2009. It is expected that TV converter boxes will cost between $50 and $70. After using your two coupons, you will be charged by converter box sellers the remaining balance of between $10 and $30. Converter boxes must meet the standards set by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in order to qualify for the Coupon Program. There are currently 18 models of converters, be sure to ask if it meets NTIA standards. One way to get your converter coupons is to call free the 24-hour hotline 1-888-388-2009 and press "1", (TTY1-877-530-2634.) Or on the internet, go to www.dtv2009.gov . You can apply now, while supplies last. If you feel you can't apply by yourself, another person can apply for you, but they will need to use your home address. All this may seem like one more hassle for TV viewers, but the federal government assures us that digital TV will give us all "an enhanced viewing experience." It will certainly enhance the bottom line of converter box makers. Are elderly people eligible for food stamps? Yes, and if you are a senior and have not applied for food stamps---Massachusetts is looking for you! Some older people may not apply for food stamps because of myths they have:
For more information about food stamps in Massachusetts, and how to apply, call 1-866-950-FOOD. If you want to find out if you could be eligible, check out the Internet tool at www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov. My mother has difficulty walking and uses a cane. I worry about her falling in the parking lot, or having to walk any distance. She doesn't drive, but my father does. Could they use the handicapped parking spaces? Yes. Your mother may qualify for a Handicapped Placard, which she can use with anyone who is driving her. For an application, contact your local Registry of Motor Vehicles or GSSSI' s Information & Referral Department, 413-781-8800. My father refuses to stop driving even though his family is concerned about his ability to drive safely. When is it no longer safe to drive? Statistics show that older drivers have fewer accidents than any other age group. But this is misleading. When actual hours on the road are taken into consideration, older drivers have the second highest accident rate, second only to teenage drivers. In addition, they are more often injured when involved in an accident. But turning in the car keys represents such a loss of independence that many seniors continue drive. The following are questions to ask:
I am over 65 and would like to retire, but my Social Security check barely covers my bills and I have very little savings. Are there any programs or resources that can help me? Depending on your income and the amount of your savings, you may qualify for several benefits programs: fuel assistance, home weatherization grants, food stamps, elderly housing, a reduction on your utility bills, a tax abatement for property owners, health insurance, prescription drug coverage and more. To get more information on your specific situation, call your local Council on Aging or the GSSSI I&R Department, 413-781-8800. If I file a Homestead Declaration, will it protect my home from being taken if I go into a nursing home? Liens imposed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare as a result of the payment of Medicaid benefits are exempt from Homestead protection. Since the rules and regulations regarding Medicaid are complicated and constantly changing, you may wish to contact an elder law specialist for current information on your specific situation. For information on what the Homestead Act covers, contact our I&R Department, 413-781-8800. Since my father died, the house is too much for my mother to keep up. What are her housing options? It depends on several factors:
If finances are limited, she may qualify for different senior housing options including: a subsidized apartment, congregate housing, adult foster care or assisted or supportive housing programs. To determine which might be best for your specific situation, and to get a complete listing of subsidized housing, assisted living and other options, contact our I&R Department, 413-781-8800. If my spouse has to go to a nursing home, how will we pay for it? Nursing home placement is difficult enough without having to worry about how to pay for it. Many people worry they "will lose their house" if their spouse has to enter a nursing home. This is not true, but because it is a widely held belief, families will often postpone an appropriate placement. Medicare may pay for up to120 days in a nursing home if the person is admitted immediately upon hospital discharge. Other payment options include paying privately, long term care insurance, or Medicaid (MassHealth), the state and federal health insurance program for the poor. In the absence of Medicare and long term care insurance as payment sources, people often pay privately. When they have "spent down" to a certain amount, they may be eligible for Medicaid. Congress passed spousal impoverishment protections, which allow the community spouse to keep a certain amount of the couple's income and assets for his or her own use. Currently, it is possible for the at-home spouse to keep the house, car, up to $85,000 of their assets (even if jointly held at the time of placement) and a minimum of $1,400 monthly income. To further explore your options, you may wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law. For more information on your specific situation, and to obtain names of elder law specialists, call our I&R Department, 413-781-8800. For additional help in selecting a nursing or rest home, contact the GSSSI Ombudsman Program Coordinator at this same number. The Ombudsman may also be able to help you if you have a family member in a nursing home and have questions or concerns about the quality of their care. I want to help my parents to continue living at home safely for as long as possible. I'd like to get involved, but they don't want help. What can I do? Your parents have the right to make their own decisions, good or bad. If your parents won't accept your help and advice, you may still be able to help indirectly and become knowledgeable about community resources. Things you can do when your parent isn't ready to accept help:
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