So sorry members seemed a little harsh but really why can you not help her? My DH, 77, washes clothes, runs the sweeper, can do dishes, sweeps the kitchen floor, can make a bed. You could cook together. His Aunt had arthritis in her hands. She had a potato peeler with a fat handle. She cooked and cleaned. She also had a machine that melted wax to a certain temperature then she stuck her hands in it. The wax helped with the stiffness. You can still get them on the internet.
97yroldmom is talking about Medicare Intermittent help. Check that policy. If no coverage, call your County Office of Aging.
All LTC policies vary. I would say few things cover issues such as arthritis in hands and difficulties with normal housework, but I could easily be wrong. Most LTC is measured by qualifying in much the same way as you would a need for in facility care. That would mean severe mental and/or physical deficits and a need more for 24/7 care, rather than household help.
As I said, I could easily be wrong. You have a contract that came with your policy. Read that. And do call them to ask questions. Good luck. Remember that, hard as it can be, most arthritic conditions progress more slowly with some exercises. Check with the doctor about physical therapy. Some hand strengthening truly helps, but you DO NOT want to do it wrong, thereby injuring the condition further. So this is expert advice you want from your medical team.
My then 90 yo mother had LTC policy and several years ago, I tried to enact it when she needed help at home because she was having challenges doing so. I thought someone who could help her with bathing or light housekeeping. However, reading the LTC requirements showed that she would have to meet 3 out of 5 'qualifiers' to have the policy pay anything...like - needs help with dressing herself; needs help feeding herself, etc... Since we could only check 1 out of 5 boxes, we couldn't use the policy. Also, many policies have wait times - meaning, once you DO qualify and activate it, there might be a 30/60 or 90 day wait period where you have to pay everything yourself and only after those days will the LTC kick in. Check your policy closely, and if you don't understand it (most of them have VERY confusing language), call the insurance company for clarifications.
Why would you be asking that question here? Why not call the insurance company her LTC policy is from and ask them if they cover homecare services. They would certainly know better than anyone here.
Mabar2000: If you are well enough, perhaps you can be the help that your wife requires. If you don't know how to cook, start off with easy or prepared meals.
I've got arthritis as well and I take drunken raisins. I eat 9-10 each day. Don't worry - you can't get tipsy from them. It's not going to hurt anything and it might give her some relief.
Here's the recipe: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-to-make-gin-soaked-raisins-for-joint-pain
I don't have Medicare and needed home care after major surgery. I got some from an agency recommended by the hospital social services worker. They have minimum time and charge ($39 per hour x 4 hours per day x 3 days per week) but take care of taxes, etc. (My Angels Home Care in So. Cal). I used them for a few months.
However, at $20+ per hour, you can hire someone to come in as you need. You may pay an additional fee for bookkeeping. I am in the process of interviewing someone for 2 hours per day x 5 days per week to do light housekeeping, etc. This is a registry for people needing/available to do housekeeping and personal care. I am able to take care of my personal needs, but need someone for light housekeeping chores. You can find local agencies through an on line search or through social services at your hospital. (Care.com)
In my experience most long term care policies require the individual to need assistance with two activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing or toileting. I agree that you need to check with your insurance company and perhaps your wife will qualify. I third the recommendation to contact your county agency on aging/social services organization. It doesn’t sound like traditional home health services for medical reasons will come in to play here and they don’t offer the services you are asking about.
It's usually more like three ADL's and this man did not say he's disabled. IMO he's accustomed to his wife doing all these things Never too late to learn, buddy! Step up or pay up. IDK she might qualify for medicaid but that would have needed to be planned out at least 5-7 years beforehand there is a lookback on assets. Depends on your state . Even with LTC insurance, you must pay at least 30-60 days upfront because they are hoping your loved one dies before they have to pay. It's a lotta phone calls and paperwork. Sounds like an ill-prepared jerk to me in my very humble opinion. He probably can't divorce her if she's now mentally incapacitated. What an ASS
Have you inquired about Home Health care through your local agencies? Medicare generally pays for it, including any PT, bathing, setting up meds, etc and chores. The only caveat is that she must be homebound.
Is she getting medical care for her hands? I'm asking because my LO has hand problems, including arthritis, and gets injections that help for some of the issues.
You can call your county's social services and request an in-home needs assessment. She may qualify for services like food-prep, light housekeeping and help with hygiene.
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97yroldmom is talking about Medicare Intermittent help. Check that policy. If no coverage, call your County Office of Aging.
I would say few things cover issues such as arthritis in hands and difficulties with normal housework, but I could easily be wrong. Most LTC is measured by qualifying in much the same way as you would a need for in facility care. That would mean severe mental and/or physical deficits and a need more for 24/7 care, rather than household help.
As I said, I could easily be wrong.
You have a contract that came with your policy. Read that. And do call them to ask questions.
Good luck.
Remember that, hard as it can be, most arthritic conditions progress more slowly with some exercises. Check with the doctor about physical therapy. Some hand strengthening truly helps, but you DO NOT want to do it wrong, thereby injuring the condition further. So this is expert advice you want from your medical team.
Best of luck.
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Best of luck finding the care you and your wife need to remain living as you choose.
I hope you get the help you two need.
They would certainly know better than anyone here.
Here's the recipe: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/how-to-make-gin-soaked-raisins-for-joint-pain
However, at $20+ per hour, you can hire someone to come in as you need. You may pay an additional fee for bookkeeping. I am in the process of interviewing someone for 2 hours per day x 5 days per week to do light housekeeping, etc. This is a registry for people needing/available to do housekeeping and personal care. I am able to take care of my personal needs, but need someone for light housekeeping chores. You can find local agencies through an on line search or through social services at your hospital. (Care.com)
Hopes this gives you some leads.
Is she getting medical care for her hands? I'm asking because my LO has hand problems, including arthritis, and gets injections that help for some of the issues.