Mom doesn't qualify for Medicaid but is home bound and needs help. She has minor medical issues along with her major issue of CHF and bad kidneys. The worst is her venous status ulcer of the leg which I have been treating for the past few years myself because she is strictly home bound and I'm unable to get her to a wound clinic. I have read in various posts that we can get hospice care because she shows signs of failure to thrive. She no longer walks at all and it takes both my husband and myself to get her around.
I hope you find the answers you're seeking and wish you success in that endeavor.
1. CHF, bad kidneys and the ulcer...are you an RN who feels comfortable treating these conditions at home, without the benefit of x-rays (such as for the CHF)?
2. If so, I'll feel more comfortable about your mother's home treatment, but has she not seen any doctors in the "few years" since she's "strictly homebound"? Or are you able to get doctors to make home visits? If not, how are you able to determine whether any of the conditions are getting worse or better? I ask because I have the impression that your mother hasn't had anything but home medical treatment in a few years.
3. Have you been advised that your mother's condition is appropriate for hospice?
4. Who diagnosed the "failure to thrive" condition?
5. Depending on where you live, you could find a number of medical transport services that make door to door stops. Some may have the equipment and training to help your mother out of the house and to medical treatment.
6. If she no longer walks but you and your husband are able to "get her around", I'm wondering if you have a ramp at your home that could be used once you transfer her to a wheelchair. That would allow you to take her from the house to a medical transport van.
Granted, these aren't cheap. But check with your local area mass transit company, if there is one. In my area, there's a small bus service that will make door to door stops within a 10 mile radius of one's home. The charge is only $1.00. Yes, that's only one dollar. That's a bargain!
It's not my intention to criticize your efforts or intentions - far from it. I'm just trying to mentally sort out the several factors involved.
Next, have you looked into medical transport for getting her to wound care ? Is she in a wheelchair? Have them transport her to any dr. Apppointment.