natalie Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 Hi Everyone, I need your help again. My good friend's little sister (who is only 22) is in need of some help in the home. Her mom is being sent home tomorrow from the hospital and she feels she can no longer care for her mom on her own. My friend (who is her older sister) is in the hospital right now 2 hours away (just had a baby) so she can't help right now. Their Medicare application for their Mom is in process (they have no insurance), but the hospital won't refer any home care because they don't officially have Medicare intact yet. Anyone have any advice? Right now their mom is probably prematurely being sent home. Her speech and mobility is impaired and they are no longer treating her. This just doesn't seem right to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 Hi Natalie, Couple of suggestions...have your friend speak to the social worker *or* case manager at the hospital to see if someone can get the ball rolling for a temporary Medicare card. I am not positive there is such a thing but there may be. I personally don't know the ins and outs but there must be *something* they (case manager or social worker) can do..especially if she is unable to care for herself. First of all, it sounds like there may be a safety issue and the Discharge Planner (person that makes all the necessary arrangements for a patient to be discharged..with the orders from the doc) should also be working on this. A hospital cannot discharge a patient if there is no one to care for the patient if the doc feels he/she needs assistance. I would also suggest she speak with her mom's physician in person, if possible or at least call his/her office. Hope this all works out...I know someone here will come along with more helpful suggestions. Blessings Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Q Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 Have her call Hospice anyway. Some Hospice organizations are known for not turning away patients who cannot pay. Knowing that her medicare is pending, they may accept her anyway. It's worth the call... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adela Posted April 21, 2006 Share Posted April 21, 2006 Has she spoken to anyone at the hospital stating that there will not be any help at home. Can she be entitled to some care through the state? Does she own her home? What about the local charities like Catholic Social Services, Senior groups in the area,American cancer society, was the husband a vet? The daughter should be very adamant on the mother can not be released until there is adequate care provided. The Mom may have to say I can not go home now. Home care will not be enough they will only come in 3 times a week at most I think, possibly a skilled nursing facility would be better choice. If she can get the doctor to send her mother to a skilled nursing facility. Does the sister have another person that can go with her to the hospital to help support her? Adela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natalie Posted April 21, 2006 Author Share Posted April 21, 2006 Thanks everyone! Luckily, family is flying in and my friend who just had her baby is recuperating quickly and going to be there this weekend. I'm going to email her sister and let her know your suggestions. I hate cancer. I really do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelepal Posted April 22, 2006 Share Posted April 22, 2006 Well, I think everyone that posted before me has got your questions covered.But I wanted you to know that I think your Friend is VERY lucky to have you.. Love, Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natalie Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 Thanks Michele My friends Mom did a lot for me when I was younger. She is the Mom that all of went to for advice when we were teenagers. I just empathize so much with them all and I just wish there was something I could do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Nat, I am so sorry to hear about your friend's mom. I have been meaning to ask how she is doing. Do they want to hire private care in the interim? Possibly try calling local churches or synagogues and asking if they have any references to home health nurses or caretakers. I know that is what my uncle did for my grandparents a few years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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