My 80 year old father has lived with us for 9 months. Since the beginning, I've been putting in applications for rent subsidized, senior citizen housing. There are long wait lists everywhere. This past weekend he went into the hospital for a mini-stroke. He'll be going to rehab for a few days. I got a call yesterday that an apartment has become available. I need him to tell them that I can handle the paperwork on his behalf... but I'm afraid he's not going to understand that he'll be moving out of our house into his own place. We've told him before that he should have his own apartment but he's pretty content with us and very forgetful. And after this hospital stay, I just don't know how this is going to go.
I've been in touch with our county's Department of Aging and they will help me arrange care and services for him. He'll actually be eligible for *more* being on his own than with my family.
I need this to happen. I did not plan on being his caretaker. My husband and I work full time, we have a toddler and would like another child. But my dad being there is so stressful for me. We're not even close - long story - but please, no judgment.
Thoughts? Thank you!
The best thing would be for whatever home care agency will be providing help to see dad at the rehab, BEFORE he's released and for definite home care appointments to be in place for the day he gets to his new apartment.
Dog? Red flag going up..........He may be able to care for a dog right now but for how long? Maybe a bird? But anyways, good going!
There's lots of other threads on this forum about getting elders moved. Do a little research. I've seen lots of good stories and ideas. I strongly agree with your decision. Given your age, kids etc, living with an elder can be terrible, especially one who you are not particularly close to.
You are on the right track. No judgment, just best wishes for a good life.
When your Dad signs himself out of hospital, ask the discharge nurse to require a signed POA document as a strongly advised condition of discharge. Find out if this can be arranged legally. Anything in his best interest can happen?