JAMESTOWN – As people age, care in the home becomes an issue that all must face for themselves and their loved ones. These services are often costly and resources are limited. Many individuals, especially those over the age of 65 or disabled, do not qualify for Medicaid due to excess income or resources. There are opportunities however, to enter into a Pooled Trust that can help to address this issue and make care in the home affordable, often free, to those who need it.

A pooled trust is a special type of trust that allows individuals to become financially eligible for Medicaid Benefit while preserving their resources in trust for supplemental needs. While not necessary for everyone, the end result of joining a pooled trust is that trust beneficiaries can receive the Medicaid benefits that meet their essential needs while maintaining a supplemental fund that is available to meet their everyday needs, while protecting their income and assets.

For example: The clients are in their eighties. Both are beginning to need assistance with their daily activities. Even so, neither one is ready to move to assisted living or into a nursing facility. They own their home and each receive Social Security and a pension. Other than that, they do not have much in savings. Medicaid will cover this type of care so long as the recipient is under income and asset limits set by Medicaid. The question is: Is there a way to preserve income and also secure services at the same time? The answer is YES!

The situation described is one in which many elderly couples find themselves in. The good news is that an elderly person’s high income does not automatically disqualify them from receiving Medicaid. With careful planning and coordination with a Pooled Trust, many elderly persons are able to age in place, get the homecare services that they need and preserve their monthly income for payment of household bills.

Venture Forthe, in collaboration with Western New York Coalition of Pooled Trust, presented several seminars on this topic throughout western New York during July and August. Individuals and professionals were able to learn about the Pooled Trust and determine if this is the right program for them, while making the connections to non-profit resources to establish the trust and learn about services provided by Venture Forthe, a licensed homecare services agency that has been providing quality care since 1997.

Venture Forthe has been offering no cost seminars to both community members and professionals throughout WNY, in an effort to connect individuals to the necessary resources and provide educational opportunities to professionals in the field.

In addition to its Jamestown location, Venture Forthe has a Fredonia location at 183 E. Main St. To learn more about this or other programs, including the comprehensive homecare services that Venture Forthe provides contact Melissa Peck at 285-8070 ext 265 or NY Connects at 753-4582 for extended services provided.