Hello Caregivers, like many here, my aging mother is declining and was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease - delusions. She refused to get her business in order and her home was condemned. We are based in Arkansas and Medicaid doesn't cover memory care or dementia wards. We both have limited resources, I am spending monies from my retirement to house her in a hotel until we can figure out next steps. She doesn't believe she needs help and will be combative every step of the way should I pursue guardianship. Legal council seems to think guardianship is the right step, however, there appear to be coverage gaps, the wear and tear as a guardian and in the relationship with a parent like mine.
Knowing what you know now, would you pursue guardianship again? If so, why and why not?
With county guardianship, your Mom will receive care, be protected, have food and shelter and clothing, be in a social setting, and have legal representation. You won't have to be stressed out by worry, or battling to get her to cooperate to do things in her best interests. It will all be done for you.
May you receive peace in your heart regarding your decision.
If I were in your situation, I would make other housing arrangements immediately (stop paying for a hotel) - and does she have the ability to 'come and go' in this hotel as she wishes? with Alzheimer's ? This doesn't make any sense to me.
I would recommend you do what is easiest and least costly for YOU.
If she loses all her resources, won't she be eligible for a nursing home paid through Medi-Caid? I don't know these specifics although you need to hire / work with someone who knows the 'ins and outs' of care when a person is destitute or close to it - in your STATE.
Never ever lose your own financial resources. This isn't cruel, it is more so common sense and (for) self-protection. You will need your own financial resources for yourself at some point.
Gena / Touch Matters
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Medicaid Assistance - Arkansas Department of Human Services
Let the state take over, they will find placement for her
You would be in a world of woe.
If you doubt that please stay on AC and read.
State with OP GracieKelli and her current woes with her mother.
I was POA and Trustee of Trust for a brother with probable early lewy's dementia. Let me tell you it was a learning curve and a tough tough job at BEST and that's with a man who asked me to take over everything, trusted me to take over everything, and was NOTHING but cooperative.
If you still doubt me order your copy of the book Never Simple, a memoir by Liz Scheier about her attempts to help her mother for decades. Her mom was mentally challenged as well. And by the way, she had the excellent help of the auspices of the social services of the city and state of New York. Never did a thing.
That should do it.
Next step, I would pursue making her a ward of the state.
She has already ruined her life, don't let her ruin yours as well. She could live a very long time, my mother is soon to be 99.
In your case, reading the body of your questions I think I would allow the State to become the Guardian.
For odd reasons I was made my Husbands Guardian.
It it time consuming
It is expensive
There is a lot of paperwork
YOU should NOT be spending YOUR money to care for mom.
Have you checked with Area Agency on Aging to see if she qualifies for any services?
Is she a Veteran or was her husband? If so the VA may provide some help (or a lot of help)
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