| Author |
Message |
    
tabby
Citizen
Username: Tabby
Post Number: 257
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 3:43 pm: | 
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My mom fell last night and broke her hip and is in the hospital, then will be in rehab for 3-4 weeks. Dad has minimal hearing & vision and has congestive heart failure, so he can't be left alone. For this week he will stay with us, but I need advise for the next 2 months. My husband works from home, but will be travelling again soon and I work full time. I can take a few 1/2 days and juggle my schedule a little.
What are the options for home care for my dad while mom is recovering?
Thank you,
Tabby |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 692
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 3:52 pm: |
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If your dad qualifies, I belive medicare can help provide him with daily aide. Before my dad died of emphysema he could barely move across the room without losing his breath and he needed someone to do his shopping, clean his apartment, help him bathe - all of it. I'd suggest asking his doctor what sort of social service you might be able to use to get help for him.
Good luck and best wishes to your mom for a strong recovery! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1324
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:14 pm: |
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Tabby, I sent you a private line.
-Lynn |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6988
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:17 pm: |
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Will your dad need 24/hour care? That is a different animal. In addition to Pdg's suggestions, I would talk to someone in social work or discharge planning at your mom's hospital. They probably won't be able to make arrangements for you, but they should be able to provide guidance on services that may be available.
Also, if you don't have a Power of Attorney for your parents on file with Medicare, get one ASAP and fax it to them. You won't be able to make arrangements on their behalf without it. Again, the hospital should have a notary and for these purposes, you can download a standard PoA form until you get an attorney to do one. If they have commercial insurance, call the insurer and request a confidentiality form that your parents can sign so that you can speak with them as well.
FWIW, I've learned that all of us middle-agers (ugh!) with older/ill parents or grandparents should get PoAs signed now before they are needed to deal with a healthcare crisis. The healthcare proxy stuff will not allow you to deal with their insurance company or Medicare. |
soresident
Citizen
Username: Soresident
Post Number: 346
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:19 pm: |
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I'm sure someone will have other options, but thought you might find this useful as well.
Elder caregiver resource directory: http://www.njjewishnews.com/njjn.com/srdirectory.html#2
Lots of phone numbers for elder services (not just Jewish)
If you are affiliated with any local congregation, I would suggest you call for ideas. They have no doubt been through this many times before.
Best wishes to your parents |
Suzanne Ng
Citizen
Username: Suzanneng
Post Number: 670
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:29 pm: |
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Some of the local Assisted living places accept residents on a short term basis.. i.e. while the primary caregiver goes on vacation, etc. |
tabby
Citizen
Username: Tabby
Post Number: 258
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:40 pm: |
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Wow, thank you everyone for your fast replies! I will check into all of your options and let you know how it all progresses.
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Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1116
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
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Medicare will provide an aide for four hours per day at most. Your father needs a companion with him for the entire time that you will be at work. I suggest that you contact an agency which supplies home health aides. The hospital can supply you with some, or you can check the yellow pages. |
cody
Citizen
Username: Cody
Post Number: 971
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 6:02 pm: |
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When my mother had a minor stroke, she needed someone to stay with her in her own apartment. The doctor felt she would recover most quickly in familiar surroundings, without stairs.
We used a home health aide company in West Orange and they supplied two lovely women who alternated staying with my mother in her apartment for the six weeks. Initially, there was a need for 24-hour coverage, but as she recovered, it dropped back to 16, then 12 hours a day.
Both women were caring and kind and made such a difference to my mom's recovery. We relieved them for most of the weekends, but it really gave us peace of mind to know that they were there and available.
Medicare paid for some of the coverage, but obviously not all. My mother did not want to come to our home, because she wanted to be in HER house with HER things.
I hope your mom's recovery goes well and that you can find a good solution for your dad. This is a lot to deal with all at once. |
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