This is not a question, but rather some information for those looking to keep their family member(s) in their own home. My mom is 94 years old. Since I retired a year ago, I have been going to her house every day. Up until the past few months, she has been pretty self-sufficient. Now she needs a lot more care, but my siblings and I want to do all we can to keep her happy in her home. She was never diagnosed with dementia, but has had a few strokes and has expressive aphasia as a result (most times now it is really bad). More recently, she has been showing signs of Sundowners. I am with Mom 5-6 hours each day, sometimes overnight. My brother lives with her, but is in declining health himself. So what he can do is limited, but at least he is there in case of an emergency. (There are also some things daughters can do that sons can't...) Mom's doctor said a few times that we can go either way -- treat [whatever she may have] or keep her comfortable in her own home and call in hospice. I always felt that hospice meant impending death (in the short-term). We don't know how much longer she had because she doesn't have a "terminal illness." She is still relatively mobile. I finally decided to check out a hospice care center near me to see what was involved. A social worker came out and evaluated Mom and determined that she did qualify for their services. Hospice will provide support to both the family and to Mom. For starters, a nurse will come out once per week (more often when needed), and will coordinate her care with Mom's family doctor. There is also an aide who will come in a few times per week to help with personal care; and volunteers that came come to the home for 3-4 hours. A social worker is assigned to the case, as well as a nurse I can call 24/7. The care is covered 100% by Medicare, including some medicine and medical equipment --such as a hospital bed, wheelchair, etc., as needed. If Mom is still alive in 6 months, the hospice center has to show she is still in decline, then the program will continue. There are instances where some people have been in the program for 2 years. If, for some reason, the person improves, they will be released from the program. This program does not provide overnight care, so that is something we may have to address at some point. Anyway, I hope this information is helpful to some of you.
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