I live in Seattle and she lives in Stockton, CA. I'm in the process of moving her back to Seattle as she has had recent health issues that are becoming quite severe. I have a job and can't just take 3 weeks off to solve this. But, she's currently very sick and just needs someone to check in on her once or twice a day for the next 3-4 weeks. How can I find that on short notice? I won't have much to pay, if any at all.
Get her a Life Alert type system.
If she goes to the hospital as a inpatient for three nights she will qualify for rehab that Medicare will pay for as long as she is progressing.
Why the delay to move her?
Plus, her lease is up in June so we have to factor in costs. My main concern is that she's still vomiting and not eating much. She's scared that she'll die here and no one will find her for weeks. I make a monthly trip down to check in on her but she needs more at this moment. I'm just stuck.
I have found that having people check in on someone who really needs help, isn't that effective. You say that her condition is severe. I suppose it's better than nothing, but, if she's very sick and not doing well, I'd try to get an assessment to see what her needs are. Does she need skilled nursing care? Can you get her somewhere to stay until you can get there and make more permanent arrangements? I found that seniors who need lots of care, profess to only need someone to check in on them. I'd be wary if that is what she says is sufficient. Have you discussed it with her doctor?
Frail elderly--call APS if you are unable to help her.
Or, see her doctor, who can recommend a placement in your area.
You can always contact the AC helps on the forum, click in "find care".
Timing is perfect, give notice now, start packing her up. Get local help with this big job.
Take charge, your Mom is too ill.
Rent an assisted living near you.
How old is she? She has neglected herself, now, with an ulcer, the worry must have been tremendous for her. Has she always been this way?
Can Mom afford to hire professional caregivers to be with her all day? Licensed Agencies usually charge between $20-$30 per hour.
At the very least your mom should be able to get home health but it sounds like she needs hospitalization again. Take her to the best hospital you can. Not just the closest one if she needs to go back. She doesn’t sound well enough to travel.
I'm not sure if they operate in the US but I am sure a google search for home care will likely give you similar results.
Good Luck
Thank you for your kind advice. Unfortunately, yesterday morning she took a turn for the worse and went back to the ER and is now in the ICU. Had I not been there yesterday morning, she would have bleed out within an hour. You are all correct in that she can not be alone anymore so we'll be looking into assisted living.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Jon
I thank you all for your support. My mother passed away this morning. The cause was a massive ulcer (6cm) that just didn't heal. My mom was a very strong person so the thought of some ulcer taking her down was unthinkable. I post this so others may learn from her experience.
My mom was a habitual NSAIDs user. Not that she had pain, but she thought that it wasn't harmful. When she started having pain, she took more. After reading emails from about 6 months ago, it became obvious that something was wrong (hindsight 20/20). She was 82 years old, strong as an ox before, then suddenly started becoming exhausted. Plus, throwing up more often. Had I known what was going on, this was completely treatable six months ago. Unfortunately, I'm too late now.
For anyone that has questions about my mom's condition feel free to post here. I will continue to answer in hopes that I can help someone else. She had 10 more good years and I hope that I can help another to have those years. Ask me anything, I will answer.
Again, thank you all. I will miss my mother but know that she's in a better place.
Sincerely,
Jon Wren
You're offering a brave and helpful attitude, which I think can help caregivers if they're ever in a similar situation. I couldn't help thinking either cancer or an ulcer when I read the first post about vomiting blood.
I also appreciate your sharing the information on her NSAID use. Some nonprescription meds can be so dangerous, and NSAIDs when used extensively fall in that category.
Again, please accept my condolences on your loss.
So sorry for your loss of your Mother.
Sorry to read of your loss, and appreciate your willingness to help others -