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When a loved one needs long-term care, emotions run highand so can the costs. Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid can be a critical lifeline, helping cover nursing home or in-home care expenses. But navigating the Medicaid application process in Colorado is far from simple, and mistakes can delay approval, trigger penalties, or cost families thousands.Here are the top five mistakes families make when applying for LTC Medicaidand how to avoid them.Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Start PlanningMany families only begin the Medicaid planning process once a health crisis hits. At that point, decisions are rushed, and options are limited. The truth is: Medicaid planning should start early, even years before care is needed.Planning ahead allows families to protect assets, avoid penalties, and qualify faster when the time comes. Even if your loved one is already in a facility or needs care now, there are often still legal and financial strategies availablebut the sooner you act, the better. Mistake #2: Gifting Assets Without Understanding the Look-Back PeriodIts common for people to think they can give money or property to family members to spend down assets and qualify for Medicaid. However, Medicaid has a 5-year look-back period in Colorado. This means that any gifts or asset transfers made within the past five years can lead to a penalty period during which Medicaid wont pay for care.Gifting without understanding this rule can unintentionally disqualify a loved one from coverage when they need it most. Always consult a Medicaid Certified Planner before transferring any assets. Mistake #3: Assuming All Assets Must Be Spent DownContrary to popular belief, not all assets need to be spent down to qualify for LTC Medicaid. Some assets are exempt, including: The primary residence (under certain conditions) One vehicle Personal belongings Certain types of burial arrangement Community Spouse Income Strategic planning can help preserve these assets while still achieving Medicaid eligibility. Mistake #4: Not Using a Qualified Medicaid PlannerThe Medicaid application process is technical and unforgiving. Submitting incorrect paperwork, missing documentation, or misunderstanding eligibility rules can result in a denial or delayA qualified Medicaid planner understands Colorados specific rules and can guide you through: Proper spend-down strategies Asset protection technique Gathering required documentation Communicating with Medicaid caseworkers Trying to go it alone can cost you far more in the long run. Mistake #5: Confusing Medicaid with MedicareMany families assume Medicare will cover long-term care. In reality, Medicare only pays for short-term rehabilitation (up to 100 days) after a hospital stayit does not cover custodial care in a nursing home or long-term in-home care.LTC Medicaid is the primary government program that helps cover these costs, but eligibility and benefits are very different from Medicare. Final ThoughtsApplying for Long-Term Care Medicaid in Colorado doesnt have to be overwhelming, but it does require the right guidance. Avoiding these five common mistakes can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Want more information? Call Beneficent Long-term Care Planning Medicaid Experts. 719.645.8350
Dignity Care is a homegrown business in Boulder.In the 1990s, Mary Kirk, a registered dietitian, began caregiving for family and relatives. Her husband, Ged, offered a companion travel service for the elderly and disabled. Together they established Dignity Care, LLC in 1997 as a home care business with just two caregivers and a home office.As demand for home care service increased, Mary recruited additional caregivers, but always with an emphasis on the compassionate, respectful, personalized care that was Dignity Cares trademark. Mary created her own approach to senior home care, unique in this area.With this dedication and passion to provide the best caregivers in the Boulder County region, Dignity Care has continued to grow and in 2009 became licensed as a Class A home care provider. We specialize in using Certified Nursing Assistants on our teams so we can bring you the skill and experience you deserve, if you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
Too many seniors grapple with isolation and depression, but these are not a normal part of growing older. They are treatable medical illnesses, much like heart disease or diabetes. Depression is a serious illness affecting approximately 15 out of every 100 adults over age 65 in the United States.Seniors experiencing feelings of depression and isolation have a higher risk of hospital admissions, as well as a higher risk for being scammed. Not to mention it makes for a miserable life.So, what can you do? Helping seniors stay healthy means more than ensuring they get good physical care. Individuals living alone miss out on the stimulation of interactions with others on a regular basis. Our caregivers serve that dual purpose of providing physical care and social connection. We enjoy our clients, building a relationship with them, and sharing the highs and lows of their days. Caregivers can laugh with their clients and be an empathetic ear. We make sure our clients are getting out of the house and attending events and activities that interest them.Hiring a caregiver to help out, even for a couple of hours each week, brings conversation and spark along with the physical help. Caregivers are a good antidote for depression. If you have any questions, please call us at 303-444-4040.
TRU PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a comprehensive program designed to support seniors who wish to maintain their independence while receiving the medical and supportive care they need. Operating under the umbrella of TRU Community Care, TRU PACE offers a seamless solution for older adults who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid by providing a complete continuum of care tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors with chronic health conditions.TRU PACE is part of the nationwide Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, a model that integrates medical and supportive services to help older adults continue living safely in their homes and communities. Designed for individuals aged 55 and older who are eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both, TRU PACE provides coordinated, person-centered care. This approach ensures that participants receive the services they need to enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence for as long as possible.To enroll in TRU PACE, participants must meet certain eligibility criteria:Age: Must be 55 years or older.Residency: Live within the TRU PACE service area, which includes select locations around Lafayette, CO, and neighboring communities.Care Needs: Require a nursing-home level of care as determined by the state but can safely live in their home with the assistance of TRU PACE services.Financial Eligibility: Be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both, or have the ability to pay privately.Comprehensive Services Offered by TRU PACETRU PACE provides a full range of medical and supportive services, all coordinated by a dedicated interdisciplinary team. These services include:Medical ServicesPrimary Care: Access to experienced physicians and nurse practitioners who specialize in geriatric care.Specialist Care: Coordinated access to specialists for specific health conditions, ensuring comprehensive treatment plans.Pharmacy Services: Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs included at no additional cost to participants.Rehabilitation Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy tailored to individual needs.Emergency Services: Round-the-clock access to urgent care when required.Supportive ServicesAdult Day Center: A safe and engaging environment where participants can socialize and take part in various activities.Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from medical appointments and the TRU PACE Day Center.Nutrition: Nutritious meals and dietary counseling to promote healthy living.Personal Care: Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.Home Care: Support services provided in the comfort of participants homes.Social and Emotional SupportSocial Work Services: Emotional support and counseling for participants and their families.Caregiver Support: Resources and respite care to assist family members and caregivers.Social Activities: Opportunities for social engagement to reduce isolation and improve mental well-being.One of the hallmarks of TRU PACE is its interdisciplinary team, which includes physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other professionals who work together to create and manage individualized care plans. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of a participants health and well-being is addressed, from preventive care to ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. By coordinating care through a single program, TRU PACE eliminates the need for participants to navigate the complexities of multiple healthcare providers and insurance plans.Medicare and Medicaid Coverage with TRU PACETRU PACE simplifies healthcare access for those eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both. Participants typically do not have to pay deductibles, premiums, or copayments for services covered by the program. Additionally, TRU PACE covers prescription medications, medical equipment, and other healthcare needs, offering significant financial relief to seniors and their families. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, TRU PACE offers an affordable private pay option, ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive care.Benefits of TRU PACEIndependence: Enables seniors to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible.Comprehensive Care: Addresses all aspects of health and wellness through integrated services.Cost Savings: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for eligible participants by covering a wide range of services.Simplified Access: Eliminates the need to juggle multiple providers and insurance plans.Peace of Mind: Provides families and caregivers with support, resources, and reassurance.Serving Lafayette, CO, and Surrounding CommunitiesBy combining local expertise with the nationally recognized PACE model, TRU PACE offers a trusted solution for aging adults and their families. The programs Day Center, located in Lafayette, serves as a hub for medical care, social interaction, and therapeutic activities, making it a cornerstone of the programs success.If you or a loved one are seeking a compassionate, all-inclusive care program, TRU PACE is here to help. To learn more about eligibility requirements, services offered, or the enrollment process, visit TRU PACEs website or contact their friendly team today. Take the first step toward maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and accessing the comprehensive care you deserve with TRU PACE. Enroll in TRU PACE Today
TRU PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) coordinates and provides all needed so that older individuals can continue living safely in their community. Delivering all needed medical and supportive services, TRU PACE provides the entire continuum of care and services to seniors with chronic care needs while maintaining independence in their homes for as long as possible. TRU PACE participants must receive all needed healthcare, including primary care and special physician services (other than emergency services) from TRU PACE contracted providers.TRU PACE is a program of TRU Community Care.
TRU PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a comprehensive program designed to support seniors who wish to maintain their independence while receiving the medical and supportive care they need. Operating under the umbrella of TRU Community Care, TRU PACE offers a seamless solution for older adults who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid by providing a complete continuum of care tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors with chronic health conditions.TRU PACE is part of the nationwide Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, a model that integrates medical and supportive services to help older adults continue living safely in their homes and communities. Designed for individuals aged 55 and older who are eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both, TRU PACE provides coordinated, person-centered care. This approach ensures that participants receive the services they need to enhance their quality of life and maintain their independence for as long as possible.To enroll in TRU PACE, participants must meet certain eligibility criteria:Age: Must be 55 years or older.Residency: Live within the TRU PACE service area, which includes select locations around Lafayette, CO, and neighboring communities.Care Needs: Require a nursing-home level of care as determined by the state but can safely live in their home with the assistance of TRU PACE services.Financial Eligibility: Be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both, or have the ability to pay privately.Comprehensive Services Offered by TRU PACETRU PACE provides a full range of medical and supportive services, all coordinated by a dedicated interdisciplinary team. These services include:Medical ServicesPrimary Care: Access to experienced physicians and nurse practitioners who specialize in geriatric care.Specialist Care: Coordinated access to specialists for specific health conditions, ensuring comprehensive treatment plans.Pharmacy Services: Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs included at no additional cost to participants.Rehabilitation Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy tailored to individual needs.Emergency Services: Round-the-clock access to urgent care when required.Supportive ServicesAdult Day Center: A safe and engaging environment where participants can socialize and take part in various activities.Transportation: Reliable transportation to and from medical appointments and the TRU PACE Day Center.Nutrition: Nutritious meals and dietary counseling to promote healthy living.Personal Care: Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.Home Care: Support services provided in the comfort of participants homes.Social and Emotional SupportSocial Work Services: Emotional support and counseling for participants and their families.Caregiver Support: Resources and respite care to assist family members and caregivers.Social Activities: Opportunities for social engagement to reduce isolation and improve mental well-being.One of the hallmarks of TRU PACE is its interdisciplinary team, which includes physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other professionals who work together to create and manage individualized care plans. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of a participants health and well-being is addressed, from preventive care to ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. By coordinating care through a single program, TRU PACE eliminates the need for participants to navigate the complexities of multiple healthcare providers and insurance plans.Medicare and Medicaid Coverage with TRU PACETRU PACE simplifies healthcare access for those eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or both. Participants typically do not have to pay deductibles, premiums, or copayments for services covered by the program. Additionally, TRU PACE covers prescription medications, medical equipment, and other healthcare needs, offering significant financial relief to seniors and their families. For those who do not qualify for Medicaid, TRU PACE offers an affordable private pay option, ensuring that everyone has access to comprehensive care.Benefits of TRU PACEIndependence: Enables seniors to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible.Comprehensive Care: Addresses all aspects of health and wellness through integrated services.Cost Savings: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses for eligible participants by covering a wide range of services.Simplified Access: Eliminates the need to juggle multiple providers and insurance plans.Peace of Mind: Provides families and caregivers with support, resources, and reassurance.Serving Lafayette, CO, and Surrounding CommunitiesBy combining local expertise with the nationally recognized PACE model, TRU PACE offers a trusted solution for aging adults and their families. The programs Day Center, located in Lafayette, serves as a hub for medical care, social interaction, and therapeutic activities, making it a cornerstone of the programs success.If you or a loved one are seeking a compassionate, all-inclusive care program, TRU PACE is here to help. To learn more about eligibility requirements, services offered, or the enrollment process, visit TRU PACEs website or contact their friendly team today. Take the first step toward maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and accessing the comprehensive care you deserve with TRU PACE. Enroll in TRU PACE Today