Canadian DUers, a question regarding long-term care and nursing homes...

[Hekate]

My hubby asked me to ask you:

My husband is concerned about long-term care and nursing homes, since he's watched both his parents lose most of their savings as they grew older, grew ill, and died. He's anticipating retirement, and worries that a long stint in a long-term care facility or nursing could reduce or eliminate our savings and leave next to nothing for our children and grandchildren.

What's the situation like in Canada? Do the old face the same level of anxiety?

Thanks for any info!

Hekate

[HeresyLives]

1. I've had 2 relatives in long-term care nursing homes in Canada.

I've had Power of Attorney for both, so I know all the figures.

My aunt was in care for 7 years before her death, and her govt pension more than covered the costs. My mother is currently in care, and the same is true for her. Private room, 24/7 care, lots of extras.

I've been there for back-up, in case it was needed, but it never has been.

[Fiendish Thingy]

3. So, just to be clear, National Health/Medicare does not cover long term care,

but govt. pension was enough to pay out of pocket?

[HeresyLives]

4. No, it covers health care.

It does not cover rent, food and so on. But the govt pension more than does, no matter where you're living.

[Spazito]

2. Every Province has their own plan in this area....

My grandmother was in long-term care in Ontario until she died and her pension covered the cost of her care, there was no extra-billing for her. I don't know how it is in other Provinces but I suspect it is similar.

[HeresyLives]

5. Oops, should have added I am also in Ontario.

[Hekate]

6. Thank you! I'm sending him the link and hoping for more replies.

:hi:

[Hekate]

8. Shameless kick

:kick:

[Spazito]

9. Hekate, you might get more responses if you post this in the Canada forum as well...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=190

It move much slower there, lol, so your OP might be seen by more of the Canadians here.

[Hekate]

11. Thank you, Spazito, I didn't even think of it...

Mr. Hekate has become very worried about our old age, which is rapidly approaching. We've done everything "right" in terms of savings and all, but so have a lot of other people -- and one stroke of bad luck can wipe everything out, and we know it. For the past 8 years I have been totally resistant to the notion of leaving the US, but Mr. H is more lightly attached, having been born elsewhere in the first place. For him, the virulence of the health care debate in this country is approaching the last straw.

He's done the online research, and oddly, despite our age we do qualify to live there thanks to a combination of his career and language skills. My PhD provides the last few "points" that put us over; other than that I am useless, LOL.

Will do as you suggest.

Hekate

[DURHAM D]

7. Good concern.

My Dad is 94. My Mother died last November - she was 87. My Mother was in a Special Needs (Alzheimer's) unit for almost 2 years. My Dad has been in one for 3 months. Medicare, as you are probably aware, does not pay for any of it. For my Mother's care in the Special Needs unit my Dad paid $144,000 out of pocket.

However, my parents have a long term insurance care policy. They took it out about 25 years ago so it only pays $1500 a month and does not kick in until 100 days have passed. So my Dad received about $26,000 from the care policy on my Mom.

For my Dad's current level of care (Special Needs) the bill is at $18,600 for the three months - in 10 days he will start getting $50 a day from the policy. Prior to July my Dad was in a sort of assisted living situation - the long term care policy didn't pay in that situation.

My plan - spend all my money down to about $2500 before I reach 80 and then go on medicaid. At least 85% of the other occupants in the Special Needs units are on medicaid. I know this because I grew up in a small town and everyone knows everyone's business. The thing is - where I grew up parents getting rid of assets and passing onto children early is a long practice. It is referred to as putting Mom or Dad "on the county". My Mother had three siblings - they all went on the county. My first cousins think my parents were idiots for paying for their own care.

On Edit: Don't forget that parents can give gifts to their children each year without tax implications. In 2009 each of you can give $12,000 a year to your kids and I think you grandkids and maybe even to your children's spouse. The only thing is if you are planning to bankrupt yourself to go on medicaid the government can do a 5 year look back.

[SidDithers]

10. Can't help with this one Hekate...

fortunately, I'm not in that position with my parents yet.

Sid