I'm new to this group

jjdoc1

My mom is 91 and has had Dementia for almost 5 yrs. She moved in with me 1 1/2 yrs ago. She fell 2 mos ago and didn't break any bones but was badly bruised, in pain and had to be in a wheelchair. From the ER she was admitted into a PT Rehab. That was awful because they were not for memory care patients and mom couldn't remember to stay in the wheelchair. I then found a residential care home and she has been there for most of this time. Mom still knows how to use her cell phone and believe me she has been calling 15 times a day. She wants to come home and I'm feeling so guilty about leaving her there since she can walk now, although she needs a walker. I think she is in the moderate stage of Alz and has sundowners, for sure. I work full time but only 3 mins away. My husband is retired but stays to himself and is not a care taker but he will give her the food I set out for her and give her meds. I work 3 mins from home and this is how we have managed. Mom hasn't had an appetite for the last three years and admits she only eats to live and not very much at that. She takes meds for BP, thyroid, Atrial Fibrillation and depression but is basically in good health other than her brain and she isn't active anymore. I feel I need to bring her home and try to give her a little peace even though I know her intrusive ruminating thoughts about people or(me) spending her money will drive me crazy. I will now need to bathe her and help her more than before. I'm looking into home health and am wondering if you folks have any experiences to share about what to have an in home caretaker do with mom a couple of days a week. Or maybe things to watch out for, or questions to ask? Thanks for any advice you can give.

SDianeL

ask if they have experience with dementia be clear about your expectations. Will they bathe her, fix meals, light housing? CNAs can’t give medication in some states so your husband may have to continue doing that.

jjdoc1

Thank you.