Elderly Care Options?

First of all, this is a very difficult time for you and your family. My heart goes out to you. I have recently gone through a similar situation with my dad who has Alzheimer's disease.

We finally did determine that my dad required full-time nursing care. My experience is published here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/60631/how... In the article I list some of the problems he was having and some possible solutions.

I also wrote this article about transitioning a senior adult into nursing care: http://www.howtodothings.com/family-and-relationsh... Basically, it describes how to find a good care facility.

In the U.S. there is often financial aid for nursing care--both in-home and in a facility. If your uncle is not classified as disabled talk to his doctor about getting him classified as disabled. Once he is disabled check into Medicaid requirements in your state. (I am going to write about this soon, but haven't gotten to it yet.)

I hope this information and these resources help you.

You didn't say what state you live in but every state has an Area Agency on Aging for Disabilities. They provide home community based services for people over 65 or are disabled. Medicare will not pay for a private duty nurse. If his doctor feels that he needs home health the doctor can order home health but home health is not a permanent option. There are also options for assistance with prescriptions drugs. If he qualifies for LIS "extra help" thru the SSA administration then he can get his premium pad for his Part D for prescription drugs and have little copays such as $2.15 for generics and $5.15 for name brands. Here is the phone number for the ElderCare Locator services. 1-800-677-1116. They should be able to refer you to the nearest AAA&D in the county of which your uncle lives for services. I work for the AAA&D here in TN so I know there are resources out there. Good luck with your uncle. It is good to see that there are family out there that still want to help take care of their own families. The elderly today are treated as a "throw away society". Good luck to you and god bless. You can email if you like if you need more details. Here is the phone number for Idaho Commission on Aging 208-334-3833. They should be able to help you. Also if he hasn't applied for disability he can do that thru the Social Security Administration. Hope this helps.

I am wondering if you are in UK and if so where do you live? I am Scotland and we have free Personal Care for the elderly. I believe in other parts of UK they have personal care for the elderly but at present you have to pay towards it. However, I THINK it is usually subsidised. My dad is 90 and I know exactly where you are coming from. He lives 25 miles away from me and to me has the most fantastic care. as in 7 days a week he has carers who come in 4 times a day, plus someone from another agency who takes him out once a week. He pays a subsidised amount of around £63 per month for the cleaning, washing ironing, shopping part but all his dailyshowering, dressing, preparing meals, putting to bed is absolutely free. Yet.....although the most generous man you would ever come across he HATES paying this £63 to the Council every month. My advice would be to contact your local Social Services and see what is available to him. Also if you could arrange to see a Welfare Rights Officer they usually can be most helpful and guide you in the right direction and are happy to assist with form filling etc. Again lots depends on how well off he is if where you are doesn't give free Personal Care. First step is perhaps to go with him or get someone to come out and see hime from those I have mentioned. Yourself or your nan should be present and explain how it is all too much for you. Also at such an initial meeting I wouldn't be prepared to details all details of his finances until you have spoken to a trustworthy Financial Advisor. Hope this helps.

HIRE ME!!! I take care of a 94 yr.old woman 24/7! Take care of entire house in and out.I get a lousy 350.00 a week,but I love what I do and have since a teenager.There are alot of us out here that work cheap because there are tons of rewards care for the elderly.Look in your local newspapers and I'm sure u will find us !!If not look me up lol ! Good Luck

Maybe instead of going through a agency hire someone who has experiance your self. I would do it in a heart beat if i lived in your area. I take care of the elderly everyday at a assisted living home in WI.

home healthcare agencies are usually covered by insurance and even medicare/medicaid. look into it. nursing homes are not always as bad as they seem. have him visit a nursing home that the family approves of, let him make friends and meet the staff and after a while maybe he'll want to go.

what about home care? there are nurses that make regular visits out to people's homes...might be a possibility...