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My MIL finally fell and I called 911. It was the third fall in a week, each with consequences, but with the last one she broke her arm and now is in rehab awaiting assisted once she can regain her strength. They say she’ll recover but she’s 98 and seems pretty weak. I don’t have any help. Should I wait until she’s placed or start cleaning out the house? Thanks for all the support.

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Well this is the time to go from Rehab right to an AL. But don't think this will stop her falls, it won't. But falling 3x and breaking something is not good for a 98 yr old. And adjusting to an AL will not be easy but its what she needs now, not what she wants. They are good till they aren't.

I would first go thru her clothes. She won't need much in the AL. Tops and slacks, her underwear. A coat. Comfortable shoes. My Mom wore socks. Mom had 2 sizes in clothes because of weight loss. I kept both sizes. Good thing, she picked up weight in the AL. I kept a couple if nice outfits but youbmay not want to take her out once she is in the AL. I had Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer leaving one season at my house. Clothing and shoes not needed got given away. Keep some of her personal things for her room. Take no expensive jewelry.

Then you start cleaning out a room at a time. Start with the kitchen. Throw out expired food, of course. My MIL had a 2 yr old pork roast in her freezer. After that go around and get what you consider trash. For MIL, we had an estate sale. Then kids did the cleaning out and some organizing. The lady POA hired to do an estate sale did the rest. For xtra money, she cleaned the house from top to bottom for the sale of the house.

Do not get sentimental if you can help it. This is a job that needs to be done. There were 4 of us. I had a box for each of us, if I came to something I thought pertained to one if them and thought they would like, I put it in their box. If not sure about something, put it aside. Paperwork you find, box and take home till you can sit and really go thru it. Take what you want maybe let family pick items they want. The rest give away or have an estate sale.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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I am her POA and HCP. The injuries really rattled her. I wrote earlier this year about me trying to get her placed earlier this spring. She almost did but would not go. Your advice was right on- Thanks for the moral support.
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Reply to NadineAnne
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I am so in agreement with Geaton and Way.
I would start with "cleaning UP" rather than "cleaning out".
Get rid of refuse, refrigerator and freezer contents and clean them out and unplug, just that sort of thing will take time.
Then be certain all documents are gathered. There will be lots of questions now to answer if you are the POA.
Best wishes. Hope you update us as you travel this journey.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Just wondering if you're her PoA? If not, is anyone? Does she have other important legal documents creates, like an Advance Healthcare Directive (so that you/her PoA doesn't have to second guess her care wishes), and a Last Will? If not, I encourage you to encourage her to do this. Even if she has mild memory or cognitive issues, it may still be considered legal capacity. Sometimes the rehab facilities have notaries on staff who can take care of finalizing any paperwork.

I wish you wisdom and peace in your heart on this journey.
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Reply to Geaton777
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If she’s definitely going to assisted living , you could start cleaning it out . You could start with the things you know she won’t need . Like garage , yard items etc ., then dining room , china , party items etc .
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Reply to waytomisery
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