Hello Group -
I have been wanting to get caregiver support for awhile, so I have just joined this forum. I look forward to sharing with and learning from you.
My 100-year-old mother lives with my husband and I. I am her primary caregiver and my husband helps as well. She has heart failure in one valve (had the other valve replaced 10 years ago), has hearing loss (wears hearing aids), wears an ostomy bag, which I help her change, is incontinent, and still uses a walker in the house. I make her meals, help her dress, do her laundry, fill her glass with ice and get her things she needs, and also take care of her affairs (except financial, which she does). She is mentally sharp and has a great memory.
My mother pays $500/mo. for long-term care insurance. I'm wondering who I should have review the policy to see if its future potential value is worth its current cost. I'm thinking it is, if we optimistically look at her living another 3 years @ a cost of $18,000, given rising health care costs. Thoughts?
I will call the LTC insurance company and speak with them about her current status to see if we can activate the policy yet, but I think it requires that she be unable to do any of her own activities of daily living. She still can, but it would be a hardship for her and also add risk with her mobility issues.
Another question is, what type of provider should I contact to bring into our home to make sure it is set up appropriately for her, both for her movement throughout the house, evening bathroom necessities and safety?
Thanks!
I'm posting this under incontinence, but it is also related to finances and safety.
If you are providing care and she needs the care provided that should be covered.
(you should have a caregiver contract that is showing that you are paid for your caregiving services as well as other tasks that you are doing for her) If possible get a doctor to confirm that she needs help and that to do some of the ADL's she would be at risk of getting injured.
Some policies will pay out if the care is not in the home so a Long Term Care facility for example. If that is the case mom should be moved to a place that will be covered. (If that is not an option it is very possible that she has been paying for years on a policy that is of no use. )
Hiring aides through an agency would be the best route to go. The person to evaluate the house set up would be an occupational therapist. Depending on the type of agency you use, you may be able to get the OT evaluation from the same agency where you get the home health aides. Some LTC policies require you to hire through agencies that are on their approved list or use LTC facilities that are on their list if you go that route instead of home health aides.
As someone already suggested, an Occupational Therapist can evaluate your mom’s needs. If you need to change anything, look for someone who is a “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” or CAPS. Many remodelers have received this additional training. They can recommend specific unique changes that will be the most helpful.