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Diane Frederick
Diane Frederick is president, owner and founder of KEYSTONE Support Services. KEYSTONE Support Services is a clearinghouse and consulting business that helps families with everything that is necessary to insure that their loved one is cared for in a facility with an environment that best meets all of their needs. KEYSTONE keeps weekly records of all the local facilities and is able to find placement quickly without compromising quality. Additionally KEYSTONE Support Services specializes in cutting through the red tape involved in the Medicaid and Medicare process, explaining the costs in layman's terms. Diane Frederick can be reached by phone at (316) 688-1821 or by fax, at (316) 688-1841, or by e-mail at KEYSTONELLC2000 @aol.com, or you can write to her at PO Box 20162, Wichita, Kansas 67206.
Senior Living
2001-07-01 16:07:00
Is there any help out there?
Question: I am a 53 year-old nurse.  I came to care for my parents a year ago and put my career on hold. My dad passed away in January, and I am left to care for my mom. Her benefits were cut after dad died. I am on limited funds. I had to hire a helper in April because my mom has Alzheimer's. My dilemma is that I can't work outside of the home because it takes two to be with her, and I feel very frustrated that funds are dwindling. Is there a program that will pay me for my services and help me out? I still have obligations also.
Answer:  Please accept our condolences on the death of your father.  We do understand your frustration as you try to take care of your mother, especially on limited funds.It is important that you know that there are numerous quality nursing facilities in and around the Wichita area that offer 24 hour care for patients with Alzheimer's Disease.If your mother has less than $2000.00 in non-exempt assets she will probably qualify for Medicaid insurance which will cover the cost of nursing home care.  Please call SRS at 316-337-6000 and make an appointment if you wish to pursue this avenue.If you want to keep her at home, again you will want to contact SRS at the number above and inquire about HCBS/FE waivers.  The FE (frail elderly) waiver will sometimes pay for a child to take care of a parent at home.  There are eligibility requirements.  Hours and pay will be determined after application is made.  Since you are a nurse, you would probably be able to make more money (and get benefits) if you were to go back to work.The HCBS/FE waiver can still provide outside help to come into your home and care for your mother.  Again, there are eligibility requirements and application should be made by calling SRS at 316-337-6000.Please let us know how this turns out for you.  We do care.
 
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