Time for outside help but what kind?

missyjo61

My mom has dementia & is 95. She was diagnosed 3 years ago & moved in with me & my sister. I am not new to caregiving, my husband was chronically ill for 10 years & the last 2 in a hospital bed in our living room. We have always thought ourselves blessed that we both are able to work from home & care for her. My sister also has a daughter 28 on the autism spectrum (highly functioning). I found this blog just today as I was searching for answers. All of these post sound so familiar.. some I laugh & some I cry right along with. I'm glad I landed here. It brings comfort but sadness at the same time. We have no problem knowing she has dementia (no denial). My sister recently had back surgery & it will be a few months before she can assist in helping my mom up from bed, getting around etc. Our mom needs assistance in walking. Last few weeks she seems to have more confusion in early morning hours. My sister says I need help, I can't keep doing it all alone, help her & work. From reading stages, I think she is between 5-6. To complicate she has had bi-polar for 30+ years. She has a regular check-up with PCP tomorrow. I'm going to discuss with him. But from experience you all have... what kind of help? Does she qualify for hospice, home health or are we just needing to hire help (which we really can't afford especially with sister on medical leave). Thanks for any advise

M1

Ask for a hospice evaluation, you can call yourself and don't need a doctor's order. Hospice is covered by Medicare. Nothing to lose by asking. But Medicare does not cover home health. Medicaid might cover some, and you may need to talk to a certified elder law attorney about getting her qualified for Medicaid. Otherwise it gets expensive quickly.

mommyandme (m&m)

Welcome to this forum, a lifesaver for me. In home help is expensive for sure, yet you likely need some respite time. Is there an adult daycare in your area? They’re often not too expensive and some offer scholarships and/or accept Medicaid. Maybe a couple/few days a week or month might help?