Cousin is in rehab (falls, hosptial, rehab, home... cycle), her Doctor faxed a letter to the Rehab Center stating she needs 24 hour care. Does this mean she can't go home without 24 hour care? She lives alone, and can't afford 24 hour care. She is resistant about assisted living (I've tried). Is there an insurance ramification if she goes against this doctor letter?
If your Cousin cannot budget for home caregivers, then have her apply for Medicaid [which is different from Medicare]. Each State has their own programs. I know you mentioned that your Cousin is resistant about going to a nursing home, but there does come a time when she no longer has a choice. Medicaid will pay for her room/board and care in a nursing home.
Otherwise, you will need to do what many of us here had to do. Wait for a major emergency to happen... thus 911, rehab, nursing home.
My Mom refused 24 hour care, she claimed my Dad could take of her. Both she and my Dad were in their 90's living in their home. It didn't hurt her Medicare insurance when she had another serious fall, which put her into long-term-care as she had a brain injury and could no longer walk.... [sigh]. But Dad had to pay out-of-pocket for the facility.
Everybody WANTS to stay in their own home. That doesn't mean that it's a good idea when they are no longer safe on their own.
I think you should follow the doctor's letter. To me it means she needs to be in a facility. Ask the place she is in now to help you with that. I would look into a nursing home, if it were me.
Good luck.
She wants to go to "respite care" for 2 weeks.. this is at the assisted living facility that we all want her to go to permanently . But she wants a landline phone installed. I did this a few months ago and it was a huge hassle. Then she only stayed for 3 weeks and we had to return all of the equipment. I'm going to tell her no landline for 2 week stay.. only if she commits to 3 months or more...
But the con parts are that these are not 24 hour services, they put in a 12-13 hour day and then go home or just do a few things and then go home. So maybe looking into assisted living or a nursing facility would be a good idea. It could be permanent or temporary, it depends on the situation.
Good luck and best wishes to you and your cousin.