http://www.homecarepulse.comQ: Mom and Dad really need help. They resist my suggestions and my siblings won't back me up. What do I do? A: Relax a little bit. By recognizing the situation, avoiding denial, and forward thinking, you are already ahead of the curve. Your goal is to have options in place when the crises hit. After all, Mom and Dad are adults. Forcing services on them is just not going to work. They may see your meddling as a loss of independence rather than a means to extend it. They are not naive, and they realize that someday they may need a little help rather than to go to a nursing home. They may consider meeting with a nurse or home care expert to learn about options for when that time comes. All situations and family dynamics are unique. We suggest that you call the CareNet office for more details. Q: Are short-term services available? A: Yes. Often we assist with post-hospital or day surgery recovery. You may need help for 1 night or 1 week. Contact our office to arrange for an initial assessment (no charge), and we can assist you with planning the details. Q: Will Medicare pay for Mom's long-term care? A: Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Medicare provides for intermittent services (less than 24 hours). Services include Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and some durable medical equipment (hospital bed, walker, wheel chair). Your physician must order service and there are limits. Consult with a Medicare certified agency, or call CareNet and we can give you several contacts. Q: How does one qualify for Medicaid assistance? A: Visit Alaska Legal Services Corporation web site to view an excellent primer on "Q & A for Medicaid for the CHOICE Programs and Nursing Home Residents" (28 pages) at the bottom of this page. Q: My parents purchased long-term care insurance. Now they need help. How do we begin? A: Qualifying is not automatic! Most companies require physician certification, specific physical criteria, and an out-of-pocket waiting period. Review your policy and consult with your company. In general, when the client has met criteria, a qualified agency provides a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or Personal Care Attendant (PCA) to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). These include help with eating, bathing, incontinent care, dressing, transferring and mobility. Discuss your situation with CareNet staff. Q: What is Live in Care? A: Live in care is 24 hr. supervision and personal care. The caregiver assists the client with their routine by day and is available to sleep in the home by night. A live in caregiver does not actually reside in the home, but they are able to stay with the client and are reimbursed at a daily rate. To speak to a nurse for information or to arrange for a free in-home consultation, call our office at 274-5620. carenet@gci.net |
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