I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

Long story made short, my Mom lives alone and we all visit her very frequently. She has MS and is wheelchair bound. She is 71 years old.

My sister callled me yesterday and told me that my Mom was very sick and couldn't really move. She told me that she smelt like urine and has probably been going to the bathroom on herself all night. She didn't have the strength to get up, get in her wheelchair and go to the bathroom.


It has reached the point where I HAVE to get her a home health aide for at least a couple of hours a day. I looked into private care and it is

My Mom does have Medicare, but she is affiliated with HIP, which has not worked out well for her, to say the very least.

I know that this is a large community and I am hoping that someone here can help me get started on finding my Mom a home health care worker that is at least partially covered by Medicare.

Her doctor for 20 years just left HIP and she has an appointment to see the new one in a week or so.

If there are any forms I can download, could you please link them for me? My head is spinning with all of this and I can't seem to find what I need.

Thank you all so much for your support always!

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I am so sorry to hear that your mom is having so much trouble. It must be so hard to see her in such a vulnerable state. I just left my MIL a message for you. She is a home healtcare aide (part time--aide in a nursing home full time) and i'm sure she can help with any questions you may have. Where is your mom located? She may know someone who can help.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I'm sorry... I have no advice, but I wanted to give you some . I hope you're able to find some help for your mom soon.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

i would try Craigslist. make sure they attach a full resume and see if you can get a background check

good luck

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

Posted by JoesWife628

I am so sorry to hear that your mom is having so much trouble. It must be so hard to see her in such a vulnerable state. I just left my MIL a message for you. She is a home healtcare aide (part time--aide in a nursing home full time) and i'm sure she can help with any questions you may have. Where is your mom located? She may know someone who can help.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I sent you FM

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

First off I would see is she qualifies for any help through Medicare. I believe you first have to prove a skilled need, requiring pt, ot, or the servcies of a skilled nurse.

Given she has MS she may be able to prove such a need. If she qualifies for any of those services, I believe she may than qualify for ancillary help in the form of a home health aide.

The logical place to start should be with whoever treats her for MS (probably her neurologist). Have her sign a HIPPA waiver so her physicians can speak to you and you can facilitate her care.

Good luck. I know how hard and overwhelming all of this can be.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I can't help you with most of your questions but I have been dealing with some of this with my Mom. You say she is "affiliated" with HIP...You mean supplemental insurance? That can be changed. We just got this for my Mom with American General. She got the best plan and i think its like $150 a month maybe...

As AP said you should be able to talk to her Dr's. A health care proxy is the best thing to have. This not only allows you to get and make decision on her healthcare, but also if she should become incapacitated.

I am pretty sure Medicare covers 90 days of in-home care and the supplemental another 180. Is your Mom in therapy?

Message edited 10/18/2009 10:48:49 PM.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

my mom found help for my grandma though this organization
they have been wonderful

aplaceformom.com

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

try visiting nurse services

vns

Message edited 10/19/2009 8:24:30 AM.

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

Find out from your mom if she has any disability insurance or even a long term care policy in place...

I would definately see if you can move her appointment up ASAP and I am sure your dctor's office can help you too..

I agree, that now you should get a health care proxy in place so you and your sister can help make decisions for your mom...



Good luck with everything..

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I'm so sorry. I've been through this. We ended up paying out of pocket for an aide 8 hours a day for my grandma.

She was a godsend worth every penny.

She can definitely qualfiy for help through medicare. Is she on medicaid? Does she get SSI?

Re: I need help getting my mom a home health aide and I don't even know where to begin...

I'm sorry I have no advice- but many prayers and hugs