I am 43 & caring for my 91 yr old mother. I can't go anywhere because she requires insulin injections & no one else can give them. Hopefully some respite care will get approved through Medicaid soon but they do not cover injections. I am losing my mind.. No other family to help out.
my dad is Denentia patient, my mum is the main caregiver, i and my sister will take turn at nite....he'll search4us if one of us not in his sight....the others will lie to him that i'm bathing, while actually i'm out for activities....
pray for all of us, both patient and caregivers, which can get a balance in our lives.
the patient will seek for us as he lack of safety and feel lonely. try get him/her busy in something, like telling them story, make them think thru conversation, pass the Bible for them to read, etc....
we're trying our best, everyday, to accompany him.
God is always with us, don't worry :)
That said, I know it's not for everyone. A lot depends upon your ability to be by yourself, and still find enriching things to do. I doubt I could have survived this without the internet and my Kindle. I'm fortunate that my mother doesn't require that I be in the same room with her, so I'm able to go off and read, or sew, or watch movies. I find it helps to schedule yourself a little bit, if your into that sort of thing. Maybe an hour reading, and hour looking up recipes, and hour cooking, an hour watching a movie...that sort of thing.
I'm older (63), and a bit of a loner, so I realize this would be much more difficult for a younger, more sociable person. Which is why I don't fault my siblings—everyone has different social needs. It HAS taken a while to adapt myself to not being able to come and go as I please. But change is a part of life, so I ask myself — can I deal with this right now? So far, the answer is yes, but it really does come down to taking things one day at a time. I wish the best for you and your mom!
Good luck
Is the reason she can't give hersef her shots her vision problems? Does she have other impairments that interfer, such as poor memory or confusion?
How often does she need shots in a day? Is the dose determined by blood sugar readings and other factors, or is it set to some standard amount? Would an insulin pump simplify the situation to some degree?
Your mother needs insulin. If the case worker is trying to arrange for some respite care and he or she is not including a way for your mother to get that insulin, then the case worker is not arranging the right thing! This is not about Medicaid "not covering injections." It is more likely about ordering the correct kind of assistance. If mother is eligible for homemaking services, for example, you can't tell the house cleaner, "Oh, by the way, while you are there give Ma her insulin shot." Whatever programs she is on, there are some rules about who can do what kind of services.
Giving your mother her insulin injections is tying you to her excessively. It also puts her at risk should something happen to you temporarily. What if you are sitting in an ER waiting to have a broken bone set when it is time for Mother's injection?
Have you had a serious talk with Mother's case worker about the insulin requirements?
you put so much of your life on hold to care for an elderly sick parent. Lord only knows. Hang in there, there is a bright side somewhere.
Some caregivers find support groups helpful. They allow caregivers to share their experiences & exchange information. Some support groups may be linked to hospice care organizations, stress management or exercise classes. Support groups will remind you that it is not selfish for you to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, resentful, etc. and to help you find ways to attend to your own needs.
Support groups can be in person or they can be online. One of the best ways to find groups in your area is through the Family Caregiver Support Program in your state. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) through the Eldercare Locator, 800-677-1116 toll free. If you want to talk with caregivers who are in similar situations, the AARP Web site has online forums where you can ask and answer questions, share your caregiving experiences, and learn from others.
Try to stay positive. With your mother being 91, your circumstances are bound
to improve before long.
Go to the top of this page where you see blue-colored blocks. Hover over the area on right that shows, 'Caregiver support' then, from the drop down list look for n press 'Find Agencies on Aging.' I think u just fill out information of what state you r living n it should give you a contact #. This is I think but don't quote me, a nonprofit organziation. I know, I have not had to pay them anything for their services. They have already done an assessment. n follow-up. They have helped me with local resources as for Respite Care places, financial issues n support groups for yourself as well. Maybe they can help with the situation of taking care of a person with diabetes that is insulin dependent. Also, if the person with glucoma can see through a magnifying glass n they can take care of themselves, u can sometimes buy a sm magnify glass that slips over the syringe from a local pharmacy not sure over the epi-pen but I bet their is something.
I would also check out alz.org for help n explain the reason n what u need help with n maybe they can help some of y'all that r needing help. I hope this is some help for y'all. Remember to stop n breathe.
AS far as Medicaid covering her respite care... if she can go to an in pt stay, then they will have nurses that can help with the insulin and blood sugar readings.. but you might want her Doc to write an order specifically stating she has to have her insulin administered. As long as its deemed medically necessary, caid should provide that service