Epic, you might consider a lower level of care if she doesn't need nursing care but isn't quite safe on her own. There are companions out there that, for much less cost than a nurse, can prepare meals, help with meds, drive to appointments or the market, etc. Worth a look. Then again, less cost than a nurse may still be spendy, but it might make your life easier knowing someone is there with her 2 or 3 days a week.
Yeah, I'm working to figure out what the correct compromise for us will look like. She's already just got a CNA in the house, not an LVN or RN, but the insurance won't pay for a non-certified "companion", unfortunately. But she's letting them do so little for her that I'm afraid the insurance company is going to refuse to pay for them anyway (because there's a requirement that she has to need assistance with at least 2 of a list of things: eating/meal prep, bathing, toileting, dressing...and I forget the fifth - but anyway, they're supposed to do daily notes for the ins co, and I think we're already in danger of them refusing to reimburse).
Right now I've got her on Meals on Wheels for lunches, so she doesn't have to make her lunch (unless that day's lunch is something she won't eat), and it means at least one person confirming she's okay (at about 12:30 or so). We've got a neighbor across the street who does in-home daycare and would be willing to check in on her once or twice a day as well, so I think we may just make that the new care plan. She's doing really well, but she's still rather a fall risk.
She's got Dr appts on Thursday & Friday of this week, so I think we're keeping care at least that long, but if the PT (who met with her today), and the Dr who's kinda got the best handle on things (who she'll see Friday), are both okay with us reducing her care, I think that's what we'll end up doing. I mean, as much as I like the idea of someone keeping an eye on her, all these no-shows have us both so stressed out that it's really defeating that whole "peace of mind" thing that it's supposed to accomplishing, y'know?
Does rain dance. Hope mom nature understands it should go to other coast.
I should probably feel guilty about returning a baby gift and buying myself something instead of something for ltc.
Assume the giver would be delighted to have you get something instead. It is what is needed.
Since I didn't mean to double post..
Epic, you are doing a wonderful job handling so many things. Your mom is lucky to have you in her corner.
I should probably feel guilty about returning a baby gift and buying myself something instead of something for ltc.
Taking care of Mama = taking care of baby.
Epic, I'll mention it just in case, but have you looked into the alerts (I believe they make them in bracelets and necklaces now) that allow her to push a button in case she falls? Also for peace of mind (since she's pretty independent but you want to be able to check on her easily) maybe a couple of dropcams? They're not too expensive and VERY easy to set up using your home's wi-fi.
Actually, we've got a little keyfob alert thingy - she just keeps managing to not have it on her when she falls. She's gotten better about that, but I have to confirm whether, when she hits the button, she'd get an operator or they just automatically call 911. Because I know her - she'd push the button if she could get an operator to call me or the neighbor for help, but if it's 911, she'd probably stay on the floor for a few hours before she'd push the button and let them send another ambulance.
What's a dropcam?
It's this! I have them set up to watch my porch cat and my dogs.
[link]
In some ways, I would agree: having an attendant is a fucking job. Or, at least, you're not just relaxing while Mary Poppins keeps everything spit-spot or whatever. I hate being both a product *and* Human Resources. Ain't seemly.
The dropcam is a great idea.
A couple of months ago, we made plans for a long weekend trip--the first non-family or work-related vacation in several years. We are going up to visit our friend Andy in Vancouver, where he's working on the new Star Trek movie. Last week, J brought home a terrible deathly cold/flu thing and gave it to me. He's a bit better, but still pretty sick, and I am feeling awful. We leave tomorrow.
So, it's an achy, phlegm-filled trip to Canada for us. Not as romantic as I had hoped. I pointed out the worst thing was that would not be looking my best when I meet my future husband, Idris Elba, on the set. J was, surprisingly unsympathetic to this problem.
