Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
My parents have a home health care policy. It is paying for up to 4 hours a day in home for each of them. It will provide this for up to 2 years before the benefits end. But..it isn't enough to cover a overnight care giver. The 4 hours for Dad cannot be combined with the one for Mom to get an 8 hour shift for Mom. The service the in home care giver must provide has to be specific to the need of the beneficiary. (Feeding, bathing, etc)

I have talked with the dept of public health which is the "senior support" here. Because of my parents financial resources..they are not eligible for any services.

My Dad has a visiting nurse from the VA, but that isn't any help for Mom.

I have asked at the two local hospitals for a referral to another physician for Mom...all the clinics and Docs I have called have all said the same...not accepting new Medicare patients.

Since she is a stroke victim, and has COPD, plus AFib, and a small hole in her heart...I am scared to try to give her anything at all. Even a herb tea could have consequences. I cannot let her try to move around by herself...she is a high risk for falls...and the blood thinners make a fall a potential life threatening event besides.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Katiekate, it was extremely generous of you to go to Colorado to care for your parents. As you have learned, you cannot do this alone. Your parents need either in-home help, and lots of it, or a care center, where there is around-the-clock trained and well-rested help.

This is Not Your Fault. It is not a deficiency in you. It is about the nature of their impairments. The broken sleep/wake cycle is particularly difficult for one person to deal with.

Finding new doctors may be a great improvement. But no matter how wonderful the doctors are, one person can still not provide around-the-clock care in a private home for two people on different schedules.

Finances may strongly influence whether to try to bring in enough help into the home or to find suitable care in a facility. But you really can't do this alone.

Your parents are so lucky you have come to them and can help them get the care they need.
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

Kate
I'm sorry you're going through this - one elderly parent is too much to handle alone and you have two at a time

Not knowing what your parents' financial situation is try contacting your local area on aging to do a needs assessment for care - you need help - both custodial care and perhaps home health care - a visiting nurse or nurse practitioner and there are doctors who will take on new Medicare patients

Do you have a senior center in your city for referrals or a hospital with a senior care network ?
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter