My mother was recently moved to hospice care from an extended stay in the hospital. It was decided the best place for her to be was her home. I am somewhat at a loss and overwhelmed where to start and find her in-home care, 24x7, hands-on care provider. And of course, do this without burning through her savings. She basically needs a live-in type person with skills to handle an early Dementia, immobile, patient. I live out-of-state and can only access / support her on a limited basis. I welcome any advice and suggestions. Thank you!
Call around to agencies to find care. Yes, it will be expensive. A live in? Nobody can handle 24/7 care without a break. Room and board cannot be considered even as partial payment.
Ask hospice for recommemdations. Concentrate on what MOM need and is recommended and BEST for her.
Are you looking for 24/7 care, or that PLUS hospice care, as you may find that you'll need to consider that focus when you begin searching?
I requested and received a list from the Alzheimer's Assn., e-mailed to me in about 1/2 hour. I had also requested a list of care services from the local Agency on Aging; it arrived by mail, one whole week later. And it wasn't as thorough as the Alz. list.
Then I researched on line to see if I could get more information, but most of it was advertising. I made a checklist, called companies of interest, and asked for a copy of their contract. Those who wouldn't provide it were eliminated immediately. I found some peculiar clauses as well as "gotcha" provisions in the contracts; that's something to consider carefully.
I found one company I really liked, with management level former military people. It outshone every other company I interviewed. Unfortunately, the nurse who attended a care meeting at the facility where my father had been for rehab said they don't deal with dysphagia patients, so that squelched what otherwise would have been a great service.
A secondary service was hired; one worker was outstanding; the other two were not even qualified. The outstanding worker really showed her value when she identified a potentially disastrous situation, called me, and told me just as I arrived at Dad's that she planned to give me about 1/2 hour to respond (I came from about 30 miles away) before she called an ambulance.
I wish I could have cloned her.
One thing I would suggest is to consider religious organizations for hospice service. But they DON'T provide 24/7 care, at least in my area they don't. You probably will have to have at least 3 caregivers, so be prepared for that.
But do spend time going over a checklist with everyone you call to determine if their services are even in the ball park. And see if the local Alz. Assn. has a list to e-mail to you. That'll give you a "jump start."
From my perspective, there is no way at all that a service could have provided what the religious facilities provided...just no way, and I would never consider in home care for hospice - it's just too demanding and the resources just aren't there.
E.g., the DON sometimes brought her dog with her to work; the dog (Bella) also performed mercy services, visiting residents along with her human mom.
When Dad's time grew closer, one of the other religious people (I don't remember his title), came and sat with Dad to give me a break, and found a tv station that played soothing, calming music 24/7. Another nurse supervisor brought me snacks, coffee, water and tea so I could stay with Dad and not leave to get a meal somewhere.
I don't know what other facilities provide, but I thought that this company and staff went out of their way to show compassion.
Use her money that she put away for her "old age" and hire a caregiver.
Contact an agency and hire caregivers that will be there for her 24/7.
Your other option would be to place her in either a SNF (skilled nursing facility) or Assisted Living or Memory Care. She can be on Hospice in any location. Again the cost of any of the facilities would be paid with her assets. If there is a possibility that she will outlive her savings then you can ask a Social Worker at any of the locations to help you begin the application process for Medicaid