Taking Mom to ER

hollyk77

I am wondering when it is okay to take my mother to the ER. In less than 30 days she has lost almost 30 pounds; she doesn't eat more than 2 meals a day (usually a couple pieces of toast or a bowl of cereal). Her confusion is so great that I have to tell multiple times a day where her room is; today while at the table, she stood up, pulled her pants down, sat back down and proceeded to go to the bathroom. I have no plan for Memory Care in place, I am in the process of filling out an application for Medicaid, but she is declining very fast.

I honestly have no idea how to proceed. She cannot be left on her own at all, but I have a son who needs transportation to and from school, has afterschool activities and no family here to help.

towhee

Holly, any time you have a sudden physical or mental change, you should seek medical advice. Also, that much weight loss in a month is very concerning. I would at the very least reach out to her doctor. If anything happens you do not want to be in the position of not having asked for help. If you do go to the ER, you should try to get a hospice consult while you are there. If they hold her for observation or admit her the hospital social worker might be able to help with placement if that is what you decide. Were you trying to get a home health aide or placement?

Do you have neighbors or friends of your sons' that might temporarily help with his transportation?

harshedbuzz

I would take her to the ER. If these symptoms are sudden onset, it could be a UTI or some other kind of infection. If she is admitted, the social worker can help you plan discharge to a SNF "medicaid-pending".

HB