Hi, my dad is 88 years old and is having much more accidents (fecal incontinence), inability to stand up from the couch and fell down today. He’s been in my care since January 2019 and we have a care provider (provided by the state) for about 4 hours a day five days a week who helps my dad take showers, cleans up after my dad, cooks and is good company for him. I am a disabled veteran myself who deals with cervical spine/back issues and cannot pick him up off the floor amongst other things. My dad is receiving social security, has a tiny pension and is receiving state benefits…has no property and is living with me. What will start the process of him getting admitted to a nursery home? I have a very nice one that is not private that is close to my home, but I’m thinking that he has to have a accident that will require us going to the emergency room and the doctor deeming him unable to care for himself, is this true? Or his primary physician deeming him unable to care for himself? Thank you in advance.
I am so sorry that you are in this difficult situation.
Is your dad on Medicaid? If so, I would speak with a Medicaid specialist to find out the next step in your situation.
There are knowledgeable posters on this forum that will be able to help you further.
Best wishes to you and your father. Wishing you peace as you continue on your caregiving journey with your father.
Any fall can be source of concern for a frail elder. If you call and ask for advice: “My 88 year old father fell, what should I do?” You are likely to work your way into an ER trip, with an offer of an ambulance. Is he on blood thinners, did he hit his head, has he been checked for osteoporosis, etc.?
Once at the ER there is a process through the unsafe discharge conversation to the nursing home.
Sounds like you should consult with a Medicaid Planner for his state since he is getting income beyond his SS and may have difficulty qualifying.
Call your Office of Aging and explain your situation. They can evaluate and help you get him placed probably with Medicaid paying for his care. Be aware, that his SS and any other income he has will be needed to offset the cost of his care.
Best of luck!