Elder Care

[MaggieD]

I just thought I would post some information for people who have older parents to care for. Mom's been in the hospital for the last three days because her potassium hit the basement and she was in danger of cardiac arrest. They've got it stabilized; and she'll either go home today or to an inpatient rehab facility (to help her walking). "Home" will be my house for at least a week so I can see how she gets around. She lives with John (some may remember). He's 85.

There are a plethora of services available to seniors to keep them independent in their homes. I am amazed. I've just gotten off the phone with Social Services at the hospital. They are going to do a physical assessment of her today before discharge to see if she needs inpatient rehab. (Which would be paid for by Medicare.)

Assuming she goes home, she's going to have a visiting nurse once a week, someone to help her bath, and then two weekly sessions of physical therapy. Paid for by Medicare for at least several months.

Mom now has a woman who comes in for two hours (stays and visits for another two) who does a cursory house cleaning every other week. They're checking to see if they can send someone once a week instead -- every other week cleaning and then laundry. Mom pays $7 an hour for her. So right now, she keeps her house clean for $28 a month. Assets and income make no difference. That's the charge. It's a state-run program.

There is also a home health care service that will charge by the hour for needed services. I don't have the fee schedule yet -- it's being sent. But it ranges from $12.50 to $33/hour. They will come on an as-needed basis with a four-hour minimum to be used over two days.

I am so impressed by how we care for our seniors and try to keep them independent. Most people don't know about these services. They can be accessed through Social Services at your local hospital.

I asked her doctor "the hard question" this morning: "What's her prognosis?" She said, realistically, three to six months, but that mom seemed to have a longevity gene (ha!) and it could be up to a year. This was hard to hear, but very valuable information. It tells me that, whatever it costs, mom will have a happy journey in her own home (or mine) surrounded by people who love her.

I thought this might be helpful to others. There's lots of help out there . . .

 

[CalGun]

Good luck. My wife and I lost 3/4 parents in last few years. I agree that our systems for their care and comfort are pretty good. I can only hope my insurance is as good when it's my time. My dads bill was close to $250k and his insurance billed us $525 which $475 was his final ride home so he could be at home instead of the hospital.

 

[Fisher]

Sorry about your mom's prognosis. You never know though.

Yes there are a lot of great services out there, but I would encourage people not to rely on just the hospital to help you get them because the hospital is only going to help you get the services that their affiliates or they provide which may not be the cheapest route, at least that is how they do it in my area.

 

[DiAnna]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's continued health decline. She is so very lucky to have such a caring daughter. *hugs*

 

[opendebate]

I just thought I would post some information for people who have older parents to care for. Mom's been in the hospital for the last three days because her potassium hit the basement and she was in danger of cardiac arrest. They've got it stabilized; and she'll either go home today or to an inpatient rehab facility (to help her walking). "Home" will be my house for at least a week so I can see how she gets around. She lives with John (some may remember). He's 85.

There are a plethora of services available to seniors to keep them independent in their homes. I am amazed. I've just gotten off the phone with Social Services at the hospital. They are going to do a physical assessment of her today before discharge to see if she needs inpatient rehab. (Which would be paid for by Medicare.)

Assuming she goes home, she's going to have a visiting nurse once a week, someone to help her bath, and then two weekly sessions of physical therapy. Paid for by Medicare for at least several months.

Mom now has a woman who comes in for two hours (stays and visits for another two) who does a cursory house cleaning every other week. They're checking to see if they can send someone once a week instead -- every other week cleaning and then laundry. Mom pays $7 an hour for her. So right now, she keeps her house clean for $28 a month. Assets and income make no difference. That's the charge. It's a state-run program.

There is also a home health care service that will charge by the hour for needed services. I don't have the fee schedule yet -- it's being sent. But it ranges from $12.50 to $33/hour. They will come on an as-needed basis with a four-hour minimum to be used over two days.

I am so impressed by how we care for our seniors and try to keep them independent. Most people don't know about these services. They can be accessed through Social Services at your local hospital.

I asked her doctor "the hard question" this morning: "What's her prognosis?" She said, realistically, three to six months, but that mom seemed to have a longevity gene (ha!) and it could be up to a year. This was hard to hear, but very valuable information. It tells me that, whatever it costs, mom will have a happy journey in her own home (or mine) surrounded by people who love her.

I thought this might be helpful to others. There's lots of help out there . . .

My mom is 83 and I have been through much of this with her. It's hard, but you are right there are some great programs available for seniors and we never would have made it without them.

Wish you and your mom the best and hope you have many more years together.