Citizens of Connecticut and nationwide need Medicaid benefits in order to have the level of care they need. This is particularly important to the state's elderly population.

One such person is an 83-year-old mother and Connecticut resident who is confined to a wheelchair. She's suffering from memory problems due to dementia, which includes the inability to handle her own hygiene and other issues that require long-term care.

Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't cover all of the benefits necessary for her care. Sometimes, families run into tough financial times keeping up with all of the costs associated with an illness. As in this situation, the aging patient would be unable to have the necessary care without the benefits of Medicaid to supplement where Medicare benefits have fallen short.

The aging Connecticut resident is very lucky to have a family member who was willing to assist in her care. In this case, the daughters were struggling to juggle work and time at home to care for their aging and sick mother. When they were at work, they had to find aides to help care for their mother.

Even after the family was informed that Medicaid could make the difference in being able to provide the needed medical care, they were faced with the challenge of handling all of the paperwork associated with filing for the coverage. In many cases, older residents with health problems must move out of the home and into a nursing home for their required care. Medicaid benefits can make these important medical needs possible.

Many residents understand the struggle that this family had to endure. Fortunately, an elder law advocate that specializes in Medicaid planning can help family members plan for the future when a family member is sick. These advocates can also help the families apply for benefits and appeal if the benefits are denied.

Source: ctmirror.org, "Caring, long term: A way of life for 1 in 8 Connecticut residents," Arielle Levin Becker, April 27, 2012