She is combative when touched, try to dress, clean or bathe. I feel she no longer is able to process language and stays in bed unless it is to eat. She seems to no longer understand what I am needing to do for her. I am scratched and bruised almost daily. I am her sole caregiver as I am an only child. Funds are very limited and nursing home placement is not an option for financial reasons. I quit work to care for her so her social security is needed for monthly expenses. I don't know how to communicate with her any more and get her needs met.
She was actually "kicked out" of the last placement after hospitalization for not complying with physical therapy, so Medicare would not cover any additional time. Any facility will take all but 40.00 of her social security money in addition to Medicaid coverage. Some places I called will not keep her if she is so combative that it puts staff/residents at risk. I have asked all the questions and scenarios I can think of and this is pretty much what I am getting. It is a shame how the healthcare system in this country neglects those in most need.
I spend most of her social security money on outside help and providing what she needs personally. She does not get much as she never worked and gets my dad's portion now which is not much either. They lived very frugally and did without any extras. My income covers all the monthly expenses and the majority of the mortgage.
Listen to FF....you need to get the Medicaid process started ASAP.
Also, contact your local ALZ organization. They were tremendously helpful to me.
Finally, contact Mom's Dr. and ask if he can write orders for in-home help that would be covered under Medicare.
Your Mom could also have an urinary tract infection which would make an elder become combative. Have Mom checked out.