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8 – Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Denver Colorado
Figuring out how to pay for assisted living can be terrible, but it’s also unavoidable. A little preparation can go a long way. If you aren’t prepared to pay out of pocket, then you should probably reach out to our team of local experts who can help you explore in more detail the ways you can pay for Assisted Living.
Eight Ways to Pay for Assisted living in Denver
At Stacy's Helping Hand, Inc we advise families with the following eight ways to cover the costs of assisted living in Denver:
1.Plan Ahead and Budget
While this seems smart, most people do not put the money aside. Life can be hectic and unexpected. For those who are planning on the unexpected well ahead of time might also consider…
2.Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)
Long term care insurance is for the lucky few people who’ve prepared and put the money aside for the specific purpose of needing it for long term care in the future. While this is a great benefit to have built-in to your plans, the benefits vary dramatically from one plan to another. Payouts range from $50 to $300 a day and are contingent on meeting certain diagnoses. LCTI may not be an option due to policy requirements, but many people have another form of insurance that can be useful.
3.Your Existing Life Insurance Policy
Many life insurance policies allow you to cash-in for accelerated benefits that you can use while you are still alive. Even for plans that don’t have this option, you can transfer the plan to another policyholder that will offer cash out option. Your life insurance is like a deferred Annuity that you created a long time ago and forgot about, but if you didn’t get life insurance when you were young, you can still get an…
4.Immediate Annuity
Annuities can be pretty tricky business. You shouldn’t consider one unless you are using the guidance of a financial advisor who is looking out for your best interests. In the case that an annuity isn’t an option, many people can still…
5.Sell, Rent or Reverse Mortgage a Home
Many middle class Americans don’t have much retirement savings to speak of, but they do own homes. Home ownership has been an especially valuable source of retirement savings for seniors in the Denver Metro area. As a result of appreciating home values and rising rent, seniors can sell, rent or reverse mortgage their homes to help pay for assisted living. If the need for money is more immediate and assets haven’t sold yet, people can get a…
6.Bridge Loan
For those who need cash now, but need time for their valuable assets to sell, such as their home, a bridge loan can help seniors pay for Assisted Living Facilities to fill the gap between when they need cash and when they have cash from their sale. For those who don’t have as much cash or income, there are still options such as…
7.SSI/Medicaid/InnovAge
Medicare and regular Medicaid doesn’t cover long term care such as Assisted Living, but if you don’t have savings or assets, you can apply for a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver through Medicaid. In the Denver area, there is an organization that can help people who need Colorado-specific Medicaid through the government-backed non-profit InnovAge. You apply for Medicaid through the InnovAge program, and they handle your case. For more complicated cases or if you want someone to hold your hand through the process, a Medicaid specialist such as a local Colorado company, Helping Hands Consulting is a good idea.
The typical Medicaid payout is $700/month but assistance goes as high as $2,250/month and supplements SSI and SSDI. Medicaid won’t entirely cover the cost of Assisted Living, but it can make a large dent. Only some assisted living communities will accept Medicaid, and Medicaid beds are usually limited, but either way, seeking professional help throughout the Medicaid process can alleviate the stress and ensure that all the information is provided when the application is submitted.
8.VA Benefits
Veterans benefits can be used to pay for residential care in a variety of situations. One set of benefits is available to those with service-related injuries or disabilities; another set of benefits, known as Aid and Attendance, is available to any veteran or surviving spouse who’s disabled and whose income is below a certain limit.
Receiving Medicaid and VA Benefits can be a tricky and time-consuming process. If you reach out to us today, we can help you navigate these complex systems and find you the right Assisted Living facility for your needs in the Denver Metro area.
Finding the best Assisted Living community options for seniors is our specialty. If you have a question about Assisted Living in Denver CO metro area, give us a call at the number above.
A move, a change in care needs, or the loss of a spouse can turn a familiar retirement budget into a list of new decisions. Before meeting with a financial professional, identify the question you want answered. You might need to understand what a move would do to your monthly expenses or how much flexibility you have if care costs rise.What Financial Services CoverFinancial services can include financial planning, investment advice, insurance, or help with other money decisions. The scope depends on the professional and the firm. If your immediate question is about paying an overdue bill or applying for a public benefit, a local assistance program may be the better first call. If youre weighing how to use savings or investment accounts over time, ask whether an adviser can address that specific question. Jetty Financial - Rich GaldieriPhone: 303-710-5015Richard Galdieris public professional profile identifies Jetty Financial. The SECs Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database identifies him under CRD number 8206153 with Global View Capital Management LLC in Lafayette, Colorado. Ask which firm would provide the service and appear on your written agreement. The firms name gives you the information you need to review the right disclosures and direct follow-up questions. Ask What the Engagement IncludesDescribe the decision youre facing and ask what the professional can provide in writing. That may mean a one-time review, a planning engagement, or ongoing investment management, depending on the firms services. Ask which fees apply, how they are calculated, and whether any products or third parties carry separate costs. Investor.gov offers a tool to check registration and review relationship disclosures. Why This Matters in BoulderIf youre deciding whether to stay in your Boulder home or move closer to family, use actual costs for both options. For your current home, pull recent bills for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any paid help. For a move, gather quotes for housing and services you expect to use. Put one-time expenses, such as moving or preparing the house for sale, on their own list so you can compare recurring costs clearly.How to Get Started1. Put Your Main Question on One PageList income sources, regular expenses, and the change you expect in the next year. Bring rough figures to an introductory conversation and ask how the firm handles confidential documents before sending account statements.2. Confirm Fees and ResponsibilitiesAsk who will work with you, what you will receive, and how much the engagement is expected to cost. If you are considering ongoing services, ask how often you would meet and what happens if you end the relationship.3. Take Time to Review the AgreementRead the written scope and fee terms before deciding. If your question also involves taxes or legal documents, identify which parts you should take to a tax professional or an attorney. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Financial Services Elder Law Estate Planning
A utility bill can be manageable one month and hard to cover the next. If youre living on a fixed income or helping an older family member sort through overdue notices, start with the bill or expense that has the closest deadline. The City of Boulders Older Adult Services case managers can help eligible residents understand what assistance may be available and where to apply.What Financial Assistance Can Help WithFinancial assistance programs help eligible households cover essential expenses or connect with resources that reduce those costs. Programs may address a one-time problem, such as a bill that came due unexpectedly, or an ongoing need, such as difficulty paying for groceries. Each program sets its own rules and deadlines. A case manager can help you identify which applications are worth pursuing.City of Boulder Older Adult ServicesPhone: 303-441-4388 The citys Older Adult Services team works with Boulder residents age 60 and older and their caregivers. Case managers provide information and referrals, help people understand available options, and offer short-term case management. The city also provides financial assistance for eligible clients. Its published screening criteria include age, residency, income, and the type and circumstances of the request. What to Bring Up on the First CallDescribe the immediate problem in plain terms. I received a shutoff notice with a date next week gives a case manager a clearer starting point than I need help with bills. If the same expense has become hard to cover every month, say so. That gives the case manager a chance to discuss ongoing resources as well as any immediate options.Why This Matters in BoulderA Boulder mailing address and residence within Boulder city limits can mean different things for eligibility. If youre unsure whether your address qualifies, give the case manager your street address before gathering paperwork. Older adults who live elsewhere in Boulder County can start with the countys Area Agency on Aging for help identifying resources that serve their address. How to Get Started1. Find the DeadlineHave the most recent bill or notice handy. Write down the amount due, the due date, and any shutoff date or other deadline shown. Tell the case manager about the deadline at the beginning of your call.2. Ask What Documents You NeedCall 303-441-4388 and ask which documents the city needs for your particular request and how to submit them. Keep copies of any application and the name of the person you spoke with.3. Confirm the Next StepBefore you hang up, ask who will follow up, how to check the status, and whether there is another program to contact in the meantime. If you are calling for someone else, ask whether they need to join the call or give permission for staff to discuss their application. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Area Agencies on Aging Care Management Care Coordination
Every year, plenty of families with taxable estates let one of their simplest planning tools expire quietly on December 31.I'm talking about the annual gift tax exclusion. Each person can give up to a set amount to as many people as they like each year without using any of their lifetime exemption. A married couple can effectively double it.Here's the part people miss. It doesn't carry forward. If this year's exclusion isn't used by December 31, it's gone, and January 1 simply starts a new one.So for a couple with children and grandchildren, that's real wealth that can move out of a taxable estate each year, with no complicated structure required. Skip a few years and you can't go back and claim them.It isn't free of trade-offs. Money you give away is money you no longer control, and gifts to younger family members raise fair questions about timing, trusts and readiness. Which is why the gift and the plan should be decided together, not rushed the week before New Year's.One more thing. The gift generally needs to be completed within the year, not just intended. A plan in December isn't the same as a transfer.If you have a taxable estate and haven't looked at this yet, there's still time for a conversation, ideally with your tax professional and estate attorney involved too.Thomas Kluttz, CFP, ChFC, CTFA Analog Capital Partners Naples, FloridaAnalog Capital Partners LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Additional information is available in the firm's Form ADV and client relationship summary, available upon request. CRD #8199461.
Let us help you find the best care and housing option for your loved one - Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing. As Senior Care Advisors with over 16 years experience, we know the level of care each community or small home provides, their reputation and cost. We will help determine your loved ones physical care needs and what will be the best fit for them socially. As a neutral party, we tour the communities/homes with you and help you ask the right questions. We stay with you as your liaison, sounding board, and advocate for 3 months after you move in. Read our 5 Star reviews on Google and Yelp!
Let us help you find the best care and housing option for your loved one - Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing. As Senior Care Advisors with over 12 years experience, we know the level of care each community or small home provides, their reputation and cost. We will help determine your loved ones physical care needs and what will be the best fit for them socially. As a neutral party, we tour the communities/homes with you and help you ask the right questions. We stay with you as your liaison, sounding board, and advocate for 3 months after you move in. Read our 5 Star reviews on Google and Yelp!
Let us help you find the best care and housing option for your loved one - Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care or Skilled Nursing. As Senior Care Advisors with over 12 years experience, we know the level of care each community or small home provides, their reputation and cost. We will help determine your loved ones physical care needs and what will be the best fit for them socially. As a neutral party, we tour the communities/homes with you and help you ask the right questions. We stay with you as your liaison, sounding board, and advocate for 3 months after you move in. Read our 5 Star reviews on Google and Yelp!