Senior Care Advocate Questions and Answers
These are the questions families ask Dave Brandt most often. If yours is not here, ask him directly. Your first conversation is always at no charge.
Working With Dave
What does a senior care advocate do?
A senior care advocate helps your family understand a care situation, sort the options, and make decisions in the right order. Dave Brandt helps with Medicaid planning, care crises, hospital discharges, choosing a care setting, and long-term care planning.
Is Dave an attorney?
No. LifeCare Senior Advocates is not a law firm and does not give legal or investment advice. When your family needs legal documents, Dave helps you prepare for and coordinate with an attorney.
Does Dave represent care facilities?
No. Dave does not represent any assisted living community, memory care, or nursing home. Some care communities pay Dave a referral fee when a family moves in, and he tells you which ones before you choose.
Where does Dave work?
LifeCare Senior Advocates is based in Walnut, Iowa, and serves the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro. Most conversations happen by phone or video, and Dave works with families in all 50 states.
What are your hours?
Every day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central.
Cost
What does the first conversation cost?
Nothing. The first conversation is always at no charge, for you and any family member who wants to join.
How is Dave paid after that?
Dave charges by the hour or a flat fee, depending on what your family needs, and he tells you which one applies before any work starts. When a long-term care policy, annuity, or funeral trust fits your plan, the insurance company pays him a commission. Some care communities pay Dave a referral fee when a family moves in, and he tells you which ones before you choose.
Read more about how LifeCare Senior Advocates works and is paid.
Medicaid and VA Benefits
Does Medicare pay for long-term care?
Generally, no. Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing and dressing in assisted living or a nursing home. Medicaid is the main government program that does.
Can we qualify for Medicaid if we own a home?
Often, yes. The home is often protected while your loved one is alive, with limits that vary by state. Dave looks at the home as part of the full Medicaid plan.
What if we have already spent a lot on care?
You may still have options. Many families reach out after spending more than they needed to. Dave starts from where you are now.
Who handles VA benefit claims?
An accredited representative on Dave's team handles VA claims, including questions about eligibility and filing. The VA requires anyone who helps with a VA claim to be accredited.
Applying for Nursing Home Medicaid?
Download our free checklist of every document to gather before you apply.
Getting Started
When should we reach out?
Most families call when something feels urgent, such as a hospital discharge, a sudden decline, or confusion about Medicaid. Planning before a crisis keeps the most options open. If you are not sure where to start, that is usually the right time to call.
What should we have ready for the first conversation?
A short summary of what is happening, your loved one's care needs, a rough list of income and assets, any insurance policies, and any legal documents such as a power of attorney. If you don't have everything, call anyway.
Can other family members join?
Yes. Any family member can join the first conversation, by phone or video, at no charge.
Learn More About Each Service
Why Trust LifeCare Senior Advocates
Dave Brandt
Senior advocate and founder, LifeCare Senior Advocates
Dave Brandt brings more than 25 years in long-term care and works for families, not facilities. LifeCare Senior Advocates is veteran-owned and based in Walnut, Iowa.
This page is general information. Medicaid and VA rules change and differ by state. Dave Brandt is a licensed insurance agent. LifeCare Senior Advocates is not a law firm and does not provide legal or investment advice.
Still Have Questions?
Ask Dave directly. Your first conversation is always at no charge. No pressure. No obligation.
Dave Brandt is a licensed insurance agent. LifeCare Senior Advocates is not a law firm and does not provide legal or investment advice.