Maryl08
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2016
- Messages
- 45
- Reason
- Lost a loved one
- Diagnosis
- 12/2015
- Country
- US
- State
- WA
- City
- Seattle
My sister and I have been caring for my mom with ALS since November. To give some context, we are 24 and 26. Our dad passed away 5 years ago so it's just us. We have no other family to help.
We had gotten into a good routine but just recently it seems like things have gotten worse. My mom has recently stopped being able to get out of bed or off the toilet on her own. She can take a few steps but that's it. She's having trouble with incontinence and has had 3 accidents in the last week alone.
We're also looking for a carer to help as I work full time (twice a week from home) and my sister stays home with her during the week. We are just overwhelmed with the change and need to adjust. I desperately need some advice:
1. I've read that some people's insurance helps cover a carer. What do I ask the insurance? I've called before and they said the plan does not cover anything custodial. It does cover skilled nursing, but will that even be of much help? Also any tips on finding a carer? I've looked on care.com but I am so afraid to leave my mom in someone else's hands..
2. When is the right time to start hospice? According to her respiratory results, she qualifies for hospice now.
3. How have others dealt with incontinence? Should we get her a catheter or is it too early? I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing.
Really appreciate any advice. We are so tired and feeling completely overwhelmed by all of this.
We had gotten into a good routine but just recently it seems like things have gotten worse. My mom has recently stopped being able to get out of bed or off the toilet on her own. She can take a few steps but that's it. She's having trouble with incontinence and has had 3 accidents in the last week alone.
We're also looking for a carer to help as I work full time (twice a week from home) and my sister stays home with her during the week. We are just overwhelmed with the change and need to adjust. I desperately need some advice:
1. I've read that some people's insurance helps cover a carer. What do I ask the insurance? I've called before and they said the plan does not cover anything custodial. It does cover skilled nursing, but will that even be of much help? Also any tips on finding a carer? I've looked on care.com but I am so afraid to leave my mom in someone else's hands..
2. When is the right time to start hospice? According to her respiratory results, she qualifies for hospice now.
3. How have others dealt with incontinence? Should we get her a catheter or is it too early? I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing.
Really appreciate any advice. We are so tired and feeling completely overwhelmed by all of this.
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