DH with Alz.

clndaniels

I am new here. My 77 year old DH with Alz is probably somewhere in the level 5 or 6 on the 7 point scale. I have been looking into MC. My problem is that he currently has a AUS because of complications from prostate cancer radiation. He can no longer consistently operate the device. We can deactivate the device and he will be completely incontinent. Otherwise, he will have to get a catheter which requires SNC. Some MC do not accept this. Others do. I have some care in home, but at times undependable. Just looking at options as DH declines. Also beginning palliative care in home. Really think having others around would be good. He was a very social person beforeAlz.

Rescue mom

Welcome, and sorry you have to be here. I can’t help much at all about the AUS, but mostly wanted to offer a little response; sometimes it takes 1-2 days for people to “check in.”

My little 2 cents is to just be aware that many MCs differ as to what kind or how serious a medical condition they will accept. (Virtually none take major or chronic diseases, but on a “lesser” or temporary scale) It seems to vary a lot, place to place. You have to ask each one, and be sure to get in writing what they will do or allow, when you are ready to place him.

Incontinence, and use of adult diapers, seems very widely accepted. Sounds like you may be headed there fast, regardless.

Many caregivers say their LOs enjoyed the increased socialization in a facility. Some report actual improvement with the routine(s) and help provided.

Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find a MC that’s not totally private, out-of-pocket, pay. No Medicaid, vouchers, etc., accepted.

Also, while this board is fine, and gets seen, there is another board specifically for spouses and partner caregivers, which may get even more traffic and also has tons of information and help. 

harshedbuzz

Hi and welcome.

I am sorry for your need to be here, but glad you found us.

MCFs vary a great deal in what procedures they are both licensed (states vary a great deal) to perform and will agree to take on with those parameters. I would expect this will be something you will have to ask each place about. 

IME, a SNF is going to be about twice the cost of MC. At least that was the case for my aunts in ME, MA and my dad in PA. If you will be qualifying your DH for Medicaid, then price might not matter. FWIW, in my state Medicaid will only fund a SNF. There are advantages to a MCF in terms of dementia trained staff and dementia-informed activities you won't find in a standard SNF.

If he's already approaching stage 6, urinary incontinence would be expected very soon anyway so deactivating the AUS device might make the most sense if he is unable to use. I appreciate that this might be upsetting to him but in a sense not being able to work the device is kind of his version of incontinence. Since incontinence is often the line in the line in the sand for family caregivers, most people in MCFs are incontinent.

HB

clndaniels

Thanks you, yes, I am finding many differences in MCF. I will be sure to ask many questions and get things in writing as I had a friend whose wife was accepted into an AL facility, paid a hefty deposit and 1 week into her stay they said she had to leave and would not refund deposit.