Disney Doll
DIS Security Matron
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2000
- Messages
- 28,883
It's actually a very complicated process. Right now, your mom is in rehab, and that's good, because it gives you time to catch your breath. I a somewhat stumped by the fact that there has been a change in her mental status and the doctor is not delving deeper to determine why. All the tests he has done so far are appropriate, but mental status doesn't change for no reason, so if the "first line" battery of tests (which is what your Mom has had so far) don't divulge anything, it's time to go deeper. WWhat medications is she on? Does one of them have confusion or mental status changes as a side effect? Even if it's not a "common" side effect, some people are sensitive to things, and an uncommon side effect is common for them.
As far as your question, people don't think so, but a live-in is generally cheaper than a nursing home. How it works is, if a person goes into a nursing home, usually Medicare pays for a certain length f time (it used to be 120 days, but I don't know if that's still true). After that 120 days is up, there needs to be an alternative form pf payment, whether it be from long-term care insurance, or private pay. If you do private pay, that means that your mom will be charged the daily "rack rate" of the nursing home, basically until most of her assets are gone, at which point she becomes eligible for Medicaid AKA Title 19. In my area, the average daily cost of a nursing home is probably $200-$350. It may be different in your area. I live about an hour or so north of NYC, so EVERYTHING is more expensive here! A live-in would probably cost you between $150-$200/day, again depending on where you live.
I like the idea of a live-in, because the person gets to stay in their same environment etc., and if your mom is confused, keeping in her home will help her be less confused, as it is a familair environment. As another poster said, whichever you decide to go with, whether it be live-in or nursing home, be sure to visit your mother frequently and let her caregivers know you are being vigilant about the level of care she receives etc. If you go the live-in route, anything that's of anything value (sentimental or monetary) should be removed from the house.
Continue to work with the social worker at the hospital. He or she is your best resource.
As far as your question, people don't think so, but a live-in is generally cheaper than a nursing home. How it works is, if a person goes into a nursing home, usually Medicare pays for a certain length f time (it used to be 120 days, but I don't know if that's still true). After that 120 days is up, there needs to be an alternative form pf payment, whether it be from long-term care insurance, or private pay. If you do private pay, that means that your mom will be charged the daily "rack rate" of the nursing home, basically until most of her assets are gone, at which point she becomes eligible for Medicaid AKA Title 19. In my area, the average daily cost of a nursing home is probably $200-$350. It may be different in your area. I live about an hour or so north of NYC, so EVERYTHING is more expensive here! A live-in would probably cost you between $150-$200/day, again depending on where you live.
I like the idea of a live-in, because the person gets to stay in their same environment etc., and if your mom is confused, keeping in her home will help her be less confused, as it is a familair environment. As another poster said, whichever you decide to go with, whether it be live-in or nursing home, be sure to visit your mother frequently and let her caregivers know you are being vigilant about the level of care she receives etc. If you go the live-in route, anything that's of anything value (sentimental or monetary) should be removed from the house.
Continue to work with the social worker at the hospital. He or she is your best resource.
