Looking for Support(2)

AmyMezz

Hi Everyone...1st timer here. I have had my mom living with me for about a year. She was living independently in a suite we have for her with occasional bouts of confusion lasting a day or so. But last month she has declined significantly....not able to do any of her ADL''s and couldn't even stand on her own and confused all the time. This lasted weeks. I got hospice in to help thinking she would continue to decline. Hospice has been wonderful. But this last week she has been up walking around with a walker on here own and doing her own ADL''s independently and completely lucid. Did I jump the gun? Some days she is completely lucid and other days completely confused. I am not able to leave her alone cause she will get up on her own and fall. I am looking into Long Term Medicaid so I can get some help with aides so I can leave the house. Hospice aide only can stay an hour. So just looking for others that have same experiences with confusion and this Medicaid.

Stuck in the middle

Welcome to the group.

I think you have to plan care based on the LO's capability on the worst days, not the best days.  If she is confused some of the time, you have to provide care all of the time, because you can't know when the best day can turn into the worst day.

Hospice was wonderful with my mother, and I am very glad to have had their support.  Don't worry about "jumping the gun."  There is no such thing as too much help.

My disabled son receives Medicaid.  The paperwork is largely handled by the group home in which he resides.  In your case, you might want to talk to a Medicaid attorney to be sure her rights are protected.

Sounds like you are doing a great job.  Again, welcome to the group.

​fesk

Hi AmyMezz. I am sorry to hear of your mother's decline and glad hospice is on board to support you. If you haven't already, I'd recommend checking for a UTI, other infection and complete workup for blood tests. There may be something causing the decline other than Alzheimer's that can be treated so you mother is more comfortable.

TraciW153

Thanks for sharing. I'm new here too. My Mom had a quick downward turn and it ended up being a UTI. But, I realize there are good and bad days. I hope you find support and good suggestions here.

M1

Hi amy, qualifying your mother for long-term medicaid varies by state, as does how much help they will provide. They do not cover sitter services, but may provide a few hours per week of hands-on care if she needs help with showering, dressing, toileting , etc (called activities of daily living) and household chores.  Certified elder law attorneys know the details, and bear in mind these are estate recovery programs, so that how you handle your moms financial assets matters a lot.  My personal experience is not with using them but i work with our states Medicaid program.  Home services save the states money if it keeps someone out of a nursing home, but they are not extensive benefits, families are still expected to do most care. Good luck though, hope that helps. There's another thread on the spouses forum about a recent npr article about Medicaid and estate recovery.