She needs bath help. MIL moved in due to SIL having a massive stroke. MIL is sight limited, hard of hearing, has loss use of one arm and has limited mobility in her other arm and legs.
She is very angry. When I went to see her after my SIL's stroke, it was obvious she had not bathed in weeks. Her clothes, and chair were soiled with feces and urine. The apartment reeked of cigarettes. It took multiple washings to get the smell out.
I need help getting her bathed twice a week. I currently do it but it is struggle. Does Medicare pay most of the cost?
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P.S. Don't be so quick to blame the painkillers at least not until you personally talk with her doctor. Your MIL might have serious pain and is nasty because she isn't getting ENOUGH relief from the painkillers. Also with all of the chronic problems you listed for her, especially sight limited, how could anyone expect her to be perfectly groomed (how could she even bath on her own; I couldn't do it by myself when I broke my hip and I was only in my 50's and in relatively good health but still couldn't make it past the small shower ledge!) and keep her house clean. As for her smoking definitely insist (try?) on taking the cigarettes away from her, using the usual excuses, like you don't want her smelling up your house, or the house to burn down due to a cigarette left lit somewhere and forgotten about) in addition to which NOT smoking will help her aches and pains to some degree, she'll breath better and have more energy..
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I have already installed ramps and grab bars in a bath. I just need home help for 3 months because we are remodeling a bath to accommodate a wheelchair. Her mind is still sharp but her attitude stinks. I suspect she is addicted to pain killers. She takes 3 a day and I am sure she is depressed. She is angry because I won't let her eat in her room. It took over 6 hours just to clean her room because of the spilled food on the floor.
She wants to eat donuts and garbage all day. I prepare 3 healthy meals a day along with giving her boost, I am rewarded with either tears or the stink eye.
Wish me luck, and thank you everyone for your answers. I have a feeling I will be back soon for more advice.
eating, getting in or out of bed, and using the bathroom. It does pay for medically-necessary skilled care, which is usually available for a short time after hospitalization. Skilled care refers to a level of care that includes service that can
only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. If she has long-term care insurance or is on Medicaid, it MAY cover part of the cost. Medicare (according to the government website) does not unfortunately cover these home health aide skills.