My mother is 74 yo. She has a history of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. She had a stroke in 2008 but recovered well. She was living independently until mid-March. She was hospitalized for hydrocephalus (fluid build up in her brain). She had surgery and then was inpatient rehab unit until 04/14. Her short term memory is almost non-existent right now. The hospital said that she needs to have someone with her all the time right now. She only has Social Security as her source of income. My brother is self-employed and can't stay with her too much and I am an essential employee and still working. How do I get started with getting someone to stay with her? Who determines the need so that insurance will pay?
Although she was living independently, she may now need assisted living or memory care. Homecare may be an option also. The diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol and hydrocephalus all are contributing factors for vascular dementia resulting in short term memory loss. However, these are all treatable conditions. She needs a thorough physical and an evaluation by a neurologist for what's causing her memory loss. Her history of strokes is also a major factor for VaD.
Is she eligible to go to rehab? They can do pretty intense OT, PT and cognitive therapies while she is there and THEN a determination can be made as to what her needs are.
A good place to start is to find out who your local Area Agency on Aging is (all counties have them; sometimes they are agencies contracted by the local government). They can guide you and provide case management. There may be a waiting list for their services.