Elder Help Questions

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

I have so many but need help from all of you....

1. A double or queen bed that the head of the bed rises

(what do I need to look out for?)

2. Life Alerts

(searched back to 2012 and one poster said Life Station was the best...still true?)

3. In home care

(is it worth it? do any of you have anyone looking in on you or do you have an outside service that lives with you?)

4. Anything else to look out for....anything that can help me....my "plate is full" right now.

5. Getting rid of the car and the insurance since mom doesn't drive anymore, do you know that all insurance companies raise the premiums after 80.

betteb · ‎03-09-2010

Ok I have some questions and I will try to help. I have a lot of experience in this area. 10 yrs working in Home Care and 6yrs having it for my DH.

Does your Mom live alone? Any insurance besides Medicare A & B? What is her condition? I.E. Walking? Any canes, wheelchairs, etc? Is she weak? Is she Ok right now mentally?

I know a lot of info, but if I'm going to really help you, I need to know?

It's God's job to judge the terrorists. It's our mission to arrange the meeting. U.S. Marines

esmerelda · ‎03-10-2010

I can't help with your questions, but how do you know all insurance companies raise rates after 80?

*********************
Keepin' it real.

Nikalette · ‎07-09-2012

If your mom has Medicare and is home bound, you should ask her doctor for a referral to home health, skilled nursing. They won't be able to stay forever, but as long as she has a skilled need. They can send in RNs , physical therapists and others, including social work for at least a while. The social worker can give you a list of all the resources in your community. If your mom has a qualifying medical diagnosis, she may be Able to receive hospice care, which is a wonderful resource and can provide for many needs including home health aides, nurses, and equipment, even medications. No one pays for long term custodial care, unless she purchased long term care insurance, or got it through an employer. I was a home health and hospice nurse, among other areas, for 20 years, and hate to see you getting your advice from a forum like this when there are so many resources. See also if you have a council on aging, or other senior resource . Ours prints a booklet every 2 years with a list of resources.

Big Sister · ‎05-15-2010

Yes, call your local Council on Aging and ask for a case manager to come to the house and do an evaluation of your mother. Then, when they determine what is needed to help her and keep her in her home, if that is possible, they should have resources to connect you to.

And as someone has said, talk to her dr. and let him know what is going on with mother and ask if he can help with resources.

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/18/2014 esmerelda said:
I can't help with your questions, but how do you know all insurance companies raise rates after 80?

2 separate insurance reps confirmed that....just going by that

also did a comparison with my mom's car and if it was titled in my name..insurance rate would be cut in half with same coverage and that's not even including any multi car discounts....just thought people would like to know.

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

On 2/18/2014 betteb said:
Ok I have some questions and I will try to help. I have a lot of experience in this area. 10 yrs working in Home Care and 6yrs having it for my DH.

Does your Mom live alone? Any insurance besides Medicare A & B? What is her condition? I.E. Walking? Any canes, wheelchairs, etc? Is she weak? Is she Ok right now mentally?

I know a lot of info, but if I'm going to really help you, I need to know?

Live alone..yes. Yes, supplemental Medicare only. Mental is sharp, very weak, can walk but needs walker.

We have people you can hire for in home care but we're talking about $29/hr and they are not licensed so they cannot give any type of medicine if she needs help with that.

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

Check with your county office to see if they have an office for the aging (or even your state may have one). They may have suggestions as well.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

auctionlady · ‎03-11-2010

Try to talk them into a twin bed...more room to navigate with walker or cane. Also the Elder Person can easily get up on either side, important if aches or medical conditions make the normal side difficult for a time. My EP continues to make her own twin bed where the queen linens were just too big/heavy. If the EP continues some housekeeping, the twin linens are much more manageable in the washer and dryer. Check out the site parentgiving dot com for all sorts of independent living aids. Grab bars dont have to look institutional, they come in colors and textures...better grip. An elevated toilet seat for the regular toilet is also a must. Your EP may fight you on many assists, both gadgets and people. What worked for me...emphasize the willingness to use these things is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness...it shows the EP wants to continue to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

DoneTryin · ‎03-09-2010

Life alert system: I don't know how good that company is, but one thing to know is that if you get one & your mom is hospitalized at all, call the company right away to have the fee suspended while she's in the hospital.

I'd also suggest that you apply for Medicaid immediately. There's a lot of paperwork, including financial data, so best do it now & not ever need it than to get in a bind.

My heart goes out to you; there's always so much to do & it can get overwhelming.