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The title sums it up. My mother has Alzheimer's and it's gotten to the point where we need to put her in a nursing home for memory care. I use the term "nursing home" loosely, but its tall we can afford. As part of the intake screening they required a chest Xray for Tuberculosis.... well, long story short, after some additional tests the Doctor's have determined that she has active TB. That means no nursing home. My mother's primary care taker is her 90 year old mother who has her own health problems. She can't do this. I stay here most nights, I often leave work early to attend to the "she's trying to leave to go to work" wandering and agressiveness. In fact, I've taken so much time off work to be around I'm worried I'm going to lose my job. I hate this. But enough about how this effects me. What are my options aside from put a lock on the outside of her bedroom door? (slight joke there).

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Of interest:
http://molecular-pathological-epidemiology.imedpub.com/are-the-infectious-roots-of-alzheimersburied-deep-in-the-past.pdf
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First of all get her into treatment for the TB, and get you and anyone else who was around her tested and treated if necessary. TB is very contagious and the NH are correct NOT to admit her with that--it would expose others to the TB and cause them health issues on top of whatever else they have. Untreated TB is fatal so this is not something to fool with. Once she is deemed not to be contagious, then enlist the help of the heath care team to find a home that is capable of meeting her needs (not just any ole nursing facility will do, if she goes in a regular nursing care facility she may not receive the correct treatment).
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Nursing home won't take her? Make 'em
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I agree that hospitalization for the TB and then help from the social workers after that to determine what is next is the way to go. Tell them that her caregiver is 90 years old and cannot handle this. Social Services may need to be involved but something should be arranged. Sadly, this depends so much on the state where you live. Some states do well (comparatively) with senior care and others are horrible. I hope that you live in one that does well.
Take care,
Carol
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If your mother comes home after being treated for TB, you might consider an alarm pad next to the bed which sounds if she steps on it. But get her treated and all of you tested first.
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Sounds like she's on Medicaid - first of all hospitalize her for her active TB. Social workers are in hospital.
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If she has active TB, you should all be tested. I'm surprised the county health department has not paid you a visit. I suggest you call them for help.
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Wasabi, what does the doctor say about your Mother's treatments? TB is treatable and curable, treatment usually takes 6 to 12 months.

Hopefully your Grandmother and you are taking prevention care as TB can be passed from one person to another very easily, like a cold. Wear a face mask when at home with Mom, and wash your hands often. Not everyone will catch TB if around a TB patient, so that is good news.
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