OT - Question for anyone who has taken in a Elderly Parent.

[natale1980]

OK so here is our story.
My Grandma is awesome. She has osteoporosis and a few of the discs in her back collapsed ( I'm not sure if that is the technical term for it, but that describes it). She had a few of them replaced in the last few years. Well last fall she had another one of them fixed. During the tests that they did they found out that she had a problem with her heart. It was one of those things that the recommend you getting fix - BUT - you could take a chance and do nothing.
After everyone talked about it my gram decided that it was best to take care of it now. So she had open heart surgery. The surgery itself went well - but after the surgery she had several serious strokes. Now her left side is paralyzed, she is unable to get out of bed herself. It has also effected some brain function, some things that she says are a bit off, and her memory is not what it used to be.
Before the surgery she did everything on her own. She lived on her own, she even drove, she was completely independent. Now she is in a nursing / rehabilitation facility.

OK - Now that you know the background this is where I need your help. She currently lives in Wisconsin and my Mom who lives in Illinois wants to bring Grandma to her house to live with her and my father. My mom has a full time job where she works mostly out of her home - but she will need help. Do any of you know of any programs that support people who take care of elderly parents in Illinois? Any sort of government organization or other wise? Any special funding or aid that is out there that can be applied for?

What ever help you may be able to provide would be great! A Name? A Phone number? A Website?

Let me know... my mom really wants to bring Grandma home.

thanks!
natale

(I posted this in both the budget board & family board sections... I hope thats ok)

 

[PaDisney02]

You should check if her insurance covers a private duty nurse or nurses aid. I used to work as a nurses aid and I would go into patients homes and bath/change/feed etc. them. If her inserance doesnt pay for it you could pay out of pocket but it will be very costly. Most private duty nurses aides (in PA) get paid at least $13+ per hour. Good Luck to you and your family!

 

[natale1980]

I'm sure they are worth the money - but we don't have the $13 an hour to pay a nurse.
I will suggest looking into her insurance to my mom... any suggestions on what way to approach it with her insurance?

-nat

 

[ms_missy66]

Your mom may qualify to be paid to be your grandmother's caregiver. A good resource is www.caring.com. It's a site that helps you care for your aging parent. Check this link out. It talks specifically about caregiver assistance. http://www.caring.com/questions/faq-can-i-get-paid-to-be-a-family-caregiver

Hope that helps. And good luck to your family!

 

[Janet Hill]

You should talk to the social workers at the facility that your grandmother is in right now. They will have lots of information on what she would be eligible for and who to contact. Almost all nursing homes and hospitals have social workers on staff to help with this type of situation.

 

[natale1980]

I just wanted to say thank you for your comments.
I'll forward the information on to my mom.

Thanks!
-natale

 

[mitsybella]

Most states have Medicaid (run out of the welfare office) programs that help with care at home or even Adult daycare, but they do have financial qualification, tell your mother to go online to the Medicare.gov website or contact the local area Agency on Aging ususally in the goverment section in a phone book, since she is in a rehab she will most likely be eligible for some homecare that will be covered by medicare, but this generally only covers a few hours per week and is not intended to be a long term program but the homecare agencys usually have a social worker who may be able to help with the local services for the elderly. Another thing that may cause some difficulty is that some states have residency requirements and will not cover someone if they have not lived in the state for so long so you may need to check this out for your mothers state. http://www.state.il.us/aging/ and http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/managedcare/pace.html http://www.idoahomecare.org/ hope these help

 

[Aristomommy]

If she needs continued therapy for the strokes (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech etc) then medicare will usually cover this 100%. In addition, the home health agency can send an aide to help with bathing etc and stay with her during the day. Some of the aide benefit is also covered under medicare while she is receiving therapy. The therapy would also help with learning to get out of bed and other things she has difficulty with. This would give your family time to line up other services, most home health agencies have a social worker who can recommend services.

Also, many areas have an Office on Aging or Passport program for seniors that links individuals with services. There may even be a daycare service in your area that would take her there for activities during the day if that would be a better fit.

 

[Pixieflip]

Try the company Home Instead. I think they are nationwide. My aunt used to work for them in Texas and I know we have them here in Nebraska.

My aunt just passed away this past winter. She used to care for my elderly grandparents. No my grandparents are moving up here to live with my mom and dad. Big adjustments all around, we are going through some of the same things you are.