As if the challenges of being a caregiver weren’t enough, I ended up with a collapsed spine and had emergency back surgery. Of course there is no one to take care of me, and I’m stuck in the hospital waiting for room in a rehab place to be approved. So now I have a serious and debilitating condition and I’m attempting to be my own advocate as well as try and find help for my dog to be cared for and to still be dealing with my mom. I’m on heavy duty narcotics and am weak, out of it and completely dependent on others for my own ADL. This is horrible and I don’t have the energy to sit on the phone on hold nor do I have any documentation to refer to other then my Medicaid card. I am at my wits end. I’m racking up huge bills of my own that will be another cluster fuc&$($ of things to look forward to and I think the stress is going to kill me, If the excruciating pain and physical therapy sessions don’t do it first. Mostly I’m writing this to vent because I feel trapped and scared right now.
For the dog, contact a local animal rescue (Cat or Dog one) and ask if they can arrange an emergency foster. I volunteer with a Cat Rescue and a few times a year we find foster placements for people in your situation. Generally you cover the cost of food and any vet care needed, but you are not charged for boarding. Our gourp has found fosters for cats, dogs, rabbits and a ferret.
Mum; is she in your home, her own home or a care facility? You are correct you can not look to her needs at this time and perhaps moving forward. If she is in a care facility, have the hospital social worker call the facility and tell them you are out of commission for the next several months. If she is at home and cannot manage alone, then have the hospital social worker find a care placement for her. If money is an issue, Medicaid will have to be applied for.
If there is any other family, even if they are across the country, it is time for them to step up regarding Mum. Even if it means moving her a great distance, you need to concentrate on your own health and recovery.
This is such a hugely challenging situation.
I'm surprised that medicaid denied rehab. I thought that was up to the doctor. If they order it, then it's a go.
I feel so badly for you in this difficult situation.
Maybe these suggestions may provide someone that could help;
Nevada’s Care Connection
Aging & Disability Resource Center Program
- Provides comprehensive assistance, advocacy, and access to programs and services that help consumers maintain their desired quality of life - ADRC services can be accessed through local programs or through the web portal at www.nevadaadrc.com
State of Nevada
Consumer Health Assistance & Bureau for Hospital Patients
555 E. Washington Avenue, Suite 4800 – Las Vegas, NV 89101
702-486-3587
- Advocates for patients’ rights by providing help for Nevadans with health related concerns such as hospital bills, provider bills, prescription needs, medical benefits, appeals, insured or uninsured and workers compensation
Advanced Home Care
2860 E. Flamingo, Suite C-3 – Las Vegas, NV 89121
702-534-5125
Provides in-home non-medical care to the elderly or disabled - Services include: Bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation - Grants available to help pay for services - Accepts Medicaid
Alliance For Well-Being
Mobile Case Management & Education
3315 E. Russell Road, Suite A-4 #239 – Las Vegas, NV 89120
702-898-0808
- Offers mobile case management to Medicaid and private-pay clients - Assessments are made to identify problems and provide solutions - Services include: Arranging and monitoring in-home services - Placement assistance - Community referrals - Crisis intervention - Liaison to families at a distance - On-call 24 hours
Catholic Charities
Senior Companion Program
4840 S. Eastern Avenue – Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-382-0721
- Companions assist frail, at-risk, and isolated seniors with services they need to prevent the onset of assisted living - Seniors may receive assistance with chores, grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, transportation to doctor appointments, and more - Must be referred by one of the following agencies: Aging & Disability Services, Clark County Social Service, Senior Dimensions, Meals on Wheels, McFarland, Monsignor Shallow or Stella Fleming Apartments
Nightingale Home Health of Nevada, Inc.
2820 W. Charleston, Ste. 41 – Las Vegas, NV 89102
702-240-9002
- Skilled nursing, physical, speech, and occupational therapy - Home health aides - Telemedicine monitoring - VoiceCare: Personal Emergency Response System - Accepts Medicare and Medicaid
HELP of Southern Nevada
1640 E. Flamingo, Suite 100 – Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-369-4357
- Emergency Resource Services: Provides assistance with rent, utilities, bus passes, clothing vouchers, food vouchers and hygiene products - Please call ahead or visit website (helpsonv.org) to receive information on availability of services - Those needing assistance with rent or utilities may complete and submit an online application
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
2320 Paseo Del Prado, Suite B112 – Las Vegas, NV 89102
702-633-7264
- Transportation for seniors age 60 and over for medical appointments, grocery shopping.
Sorry this is so long but hopefully one of these can help you.
God bless.
Take care.
IANAcare(I am not alone). Hope this helps & Wishing you a speedy recovery!