A Long-Term Care Assessment is the most critical step in securing the future you or your loved one deserves. At Veteran Care Advisors (VCA), we maintain a 98% success rate in accurately identifying available benefits because our assessments are comprehensive, looking at VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and private assets all at once.
To ensure your assessment is as accurate and effective as possible, here is your guide on how to prepare.
1. Gather Your “Hard Proof” (Documentation)
The assessment relies on data. Having these documents ready allows our advisors to provide immediate feedback on your eligibility.
- Military Service Records: Locate your DD-214. This is the primary document needed to prove your wartime service eligibility.
- Financial Statements: Gather the last 12 months of bank statements, retirement account summaries, and records of any secondary property.
- Insurance Policies: If you have Long-Term Care Insurance, Life Insurance with a “living benefit,” or annuities, have those policy details handy.
- Medical Evidence: A current list of medications and any recent physician’s summaries that describe your physical or cognitive limitations.
2. Define Your “Clinical Need” (The ADL Checklist)
During the assessment, we will discuss your ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Many seniors tend to downplay their needs out of pride, but for an assessment to be successful, radical honesty is required.
Think about whether you need help with:
- Bathing & Grooming: Do you need someone to help you get in/out of the tub or remind you to shave?
- Dressing: Is it difficult to manage buttons, zippers, or putting on shoes?
- Mobility: Do you need a walker, a cane, or a steadying hand to move around the house?
- Medication Management: Do you rely on a caregiver to set up your pillbox or remind you when to take your doses?
Pro Tip for Caregivers: Keep a “Care Diary” for 48 hours before the assessment. Note every time you “step in” to help—even if it’s just helping them stand up from a chair. These “small” tasks are vital data points for the VA and Medicaid.
3. Map Out Your Medical Expenses
Many families believe their income is “too high” to qualify for benefits like VA Aid and Attendance or Medicaid. However, these programs often allow you to deduct your unreimbursed medical expenses from your gross income.
Keep receipts or invoices for:
- Monthly assisted living or home care costs.
- Medicare premiums and supplemental insurance.
- Prescription co-pays and medical supplies (incontinence products, etc.).
- Transportation costs to and from medical appointments.
4. Understand the “Look-Back” Period
If you are considering Medicaid or certain VA pensions, be aware of the 36-month (VA) or 60-month (Medicaid) look-back periods. This means the government will review any large gifts or asset transfers you’ve made to family members.
Wait! Before you move any assets or “spend down” your money, speak with us. Our advisors can help you navigate these rules legally to preserve as much of your legacy as possible while still qualifying for care.
Your Next Step: Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting
Preparing for long-term care can feel like a full-time job. Our mission is to take that burden off your shoulders.
