Thankful we're not alone! (Just found this group/YOU!)

JunerBug

My dad (88) is at home with my mom (87). He has Alz. & needs 24 hr care now, because he'll just stand up & be on his way somewhere & doesn't have good balance & would fall over if we weren't there to catch him. 24hr care is not sustainable financially. My husband & & live 30 min. away & are covering some of the 12 hr shifts now. Any additional suggestions?

JustPyrfect

Hello ! Welcome - I too just found this group and am extremely thankful! Unfortunately what you are experiencing is only going to get worse. Do you have POA ? If not, does anyone ? Have you contacted an elder lawyer yet? Have you looked into a SNF or memory care? My mom doesn’t have any money, and I can’t financially afford the 24hr care she will soon need, so I have been looking at SNF that accept Medicaid. You will need to consult with an attorney who can properly guide you with the financial requirements of Medicaid. This is tough on everyone and your mom will need help too with this transition.

JunerBug

Family member has POA. Dad doesn't qualify for Medicaid. I'm sorry you're going through this, too.

harshedbuzz

Family member has POA. Dad doesn't qualify for Medicaid. I'm sorry you're going through this, too.

How do you know this? Have you spoken with a certified elder law attorney to discuss Medicaid planning? There are generally strategies that can be employed legally to help fund a bed in a Medicaid facility or sometimes a few hours of care in the home.

That said, if dad is a fall risk, he will likely still fall if he moves into a facility.

HB

towhee

This is such a hard stage. Still able to get up, no balance and no awareness that they have no balance. I agree that no matter where he is, he will be a fall risk. I would double check about medicaid, there are different programs, it would not hurt.

Adult Day Care might be an option if you have them there. Only eight hours of care at most a day, but it is less expensive than hiring in home help, and they sometimes sit people at a table most of the day, making it harder for them to get up. Is your dad a veteran? He might qualify for help with adult day care or even a few in home hours. Sometimes counties have their own small assistance programs, you could check with your social services. Also check with your Council on Aging and local Alz Association. Sometimes they will offer a small amount of respite care.

JustPyrfect

Maybe and open conversation with the family member who is the POA? See if you can get the POA to at least have a consultation with an elder lawyer. It worth a try.