My great aunt (86) has been hospitalized this week. While she is responding to treatment, it has become clear (from my mother and grandmother who flew down to be with her) that she can no longer care for herself. The tricky part is that she has been living in North Carolina with a friend while we live in the North East.
She cannot go back to live with her friend as her friend has health issues of her own. Having her go to a nursing home in North Carolina is also not a good option as it is far away from anyone who would visit and look out for her (it's 2+ hours from her friend and like I mentioned, the rest of her family lives in the North East).
We are at a loss about what to do. We think bringing her up to the North East (likely Boston) so that we can care for her here would be the best bet, but we don't know where to even begin with making that happen.
At this point, no one is equipped to take her in their homes on a long-term basis as she would require full-time care. Ideally she would go to a nursing home up here. We also have the threat of the NC state taking over if we can't figure something out sooner than later.
Has anyone had any experience with transporting someone from one state to another and for making these types of arrangements (from a hospital in one state to another hospital or nursing home in a different state)?
Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated! We are kind of struggling with what to do. Thank you!
My mother is trying to get power of attorney now. Apparently there are no notary publics in the hospital so she's working to find one who will come to the hospital. So far my aunt is competent and is agreeable to making the move, but we understand that in the end it is her decision.
Sunnygirl1, you have given us some great things to consider and great questions to ask. I have taken what you said and shared it with them to help them before making any formal arrangements.
NC's Assisted Living rates are lower than many up North, based on what I have learned. Would she be private pay or Medicaid? If Medicaid, she would have to qualify financially in the state she is seeking assistance. I don't know the residency requirements, but would inquire before moving her. She is a NC resident now, right? You might see which state she would receive the most assistance and care for the dollar.
I would start by confirming if she needs AL or NH and why. Then figure out the residency requirements and if she qualifies or is self pay. NC has what is called Special Assistance for those who meet Medicaid requirements and are deemed in need by a doctor. Maybe someone in MA can post details about it. Here's a link.
http://www.mass.gov/elders/housing/assisted-living/cost-for-the-assisted-living-program.html
We transferred my mom from acute rehab, after a hospital stay after a stroke. Whe was discharged to a subacute rehab in Dsnbury Connecticut, near my brother. Transport was via ambulette. Had it neen a longer trip, one of us would have ridden in th ed ambulette. For a longer journey, i would probably engage an LPN.
Yes,the state will institute guardianship if no one has poa, i believe. You shiuld consult eithcan elder care attorney.