Need a DMM for Vallejo Couple

[Linda Swartz]

I was contacted by the friend of a couple who live in a Vallejo assisted living home. I am not able to travel that far at this time. Below is what I know about the couple’s situation from the friend who contacted me. I do not know if he has financial power of attorney or not. If you are interested, please let me know. Emily Fox 510 735-7345 emily@grayfoxdmm.com

My friends are a couple, both of whom are advanced Parkinson’s patients. They met about twenty years ago, on a Parkinson’s disease chat room, and have been together ever since. (I’ve known the man of the couple since the late 1970’s, when a friend of mine from college became his roommate. My wife got to know him independently through work, and I met her at the couple’s local wedding reception.) In the early days of their disease, they were both very active in promoting grassroots organizations for Parkinson’s patients. In fact, they both won national awards honoring their work. Unfortunately, as expected, their Parkinson’s disease has advanced, and they are no longer capable of performing many of the functions of daily living. About a year ago, they both had deep brain stimulation surgery, which has been helpful, although to differing extents. The woman of the couple is able to perform most functions of daily living; the man of the couple has improved, but still needs assistance with most daily activities.

Last September, they moved into the assisted living section of Brookdale Vallejo Hills (the management of which was recently taken over by a Canadian company, Cogir). I helped them select the facility, and with the help of my wife and some friends, managed their move. They seem to like the facility, but due to their condition, they have trouble keeping their finances and other documents organized, which is why they are looking for a DMM.

Their financial situation is fairly good. They have about $4,000/month in Social Security and pension benefits. The man of the couple also has a Long-Term Care insurance policy at John Hancock. That policy covers all of the rent and services attributable to him, which make up most of the Brookdale bill. That policy has allowed them to accumulate a few thousand dollars in savings since they moved into Brookdale. As you probably understand, the insurance payment procedure is fairly routine, requiring only the faxing of each month’s invoice to Hancock, but even that has seemed to be beyond my friends’ capabilities. As for expenses, I am sure their situation is common, with the usual bills, such as Comcast and Kaiser co-payments, being their largest regular expenses.

Unfortunately, due to the timing of the insurance payments, they did not have their first month’s payment for Brookdale, and I lent them $8,000 to allow them to move in. Due to the generosity of a friend, that amount was reduced to $6,000. I agreed to accept payments of $500/month, and I am about to cash the second payment. I believe that this is their largest debt, and I can be flexible about the payments if need be.

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