In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, I sat down with Alyssa Ramirez, Business Development Manager at Silver Lining Homecare, and we dove deep into the often confusing world of senior care. From understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid services to helping families navigate long-term care insurance and homecare eligibility, Alyssa brought clarity to an area that affects so many of us.
What stood out most to me is how comprehensive and thoughtful Silver Lining’s approach is—not just offering aides, but a full range of clinical services including nursing, PT, OT, and speech therapy. We also talked through the tough situations many families face, including my own, when trying to figure out what kind of care a loved one needs, what’s covered, and what options exist when money, time, and energy are limited.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Senior care is not one-size-fits-all. There are more options than most people realize, and the right agency can help guide families to tailor solutions that fit both need and budget.
- Medicaid planning doesn’t require giving up. Even families with assets can potentially qualify for Medicaid with proper planning, and Silver Lining offers support with the application process—at no cost.
- Assessments aren’t the final word. If a loved one is denied enough care hours, you can request a reassessment or go through a different MLTC (Managed Long Term Care) provider to potentially get more hours approved.
Episode Highlights:
- [0:00] – Introduction
- [1:01] – Alyssa shares how a career detour during COVID led her into senior care
- [2:51] – What her client-facing role looks like and why working with families is her passion
- [3:25] – Bringing Silver Lining’s services to Long Island and launching new clinical offerings
- [4:34] – From a 6-month-old to a 103-year-old: How Silver Lining serves all ages
- [5:52] – Why Silver Lining is more than just an aide agency
- [6:31] – Delivering care at home, assisted living, or wherever “home” happens to be
- [7:58] – Larry shares his personal experience navigating care decisions for his mother-in-law
[10:00] – What CHHAs and LHCSAs are—and why it matters when choosing a provider
- [12:47] – The real cost of homecare and how to pay for it without going broke
- [13:13] – How Silver Lining helps families apply for Medicaid—without charging for it
- [14:38] – Why “split shift” caregiving (like 2 hrs AM & 2 hrs PM) is so hard to staff
- [15:50] – What happens when Medicaid doesn’t approve enough hours—and what you can do
- [17:06] – The power of second assessments: getting more hours through another MLTC
- [18:59] – ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and how assessments can miss the full picture
- [19:46] – Nursing Home Diversion Waiver: A path to 24-hour care for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s
- [20:39] – Medicaid myths and facts: Lookback periods, income thresholds, and eligibility
- [30:46] – Why private pay might seem cheaper—but comes with serious risks
- [34:10] – What agencies provide that private caregivers often can’t: reliability, oversight, and safety
- [38:06] – CDPAP program explained: how loved ones can get paid to provide care—and how that’s changing
- [42:46] – What Silver Lining is doing to support patients as CDPAP shifts to a statewide system
- [44:06] – Alyssa’s final word: No one should have to navigate senior care alone
Links & Resources:
- Contact Alyssa Ramirez: ar1@slcareny.com | (516) 426-9783
- Silver Lining Homecare: slcareny.com
- Sell your home without the hassle: leavethekey.com | (631) 388-7771
