We moved mom into a nursing home in August, she was miserable at first, but has done her best in accepting her living arrangement. Mom has always been “with it” mentally, but has mobility issues and heart issues. Since she has been in the nursing home and receiving PT she has become stronger and is moving about much more. Now I really think she would be happier if she was in assisted living (she thinks she wants to move to AL) But the thought overwhelms me! It isn’t just the physical move, finding a place (giving 30 day notice to nursing home and move to AL being seamless), making sure her medical insurance will be accepted (if we change physical locations), her money is already running low, so I worry about that part, (I finally learned that AL is covered by Medicaid.) The cost of AL would be approximately a savings of $3,000 a month. As mom has said, she doesn’t need the kind of care most nursing home residents need, she is often helping other residents! Mom now says she wants AL closer to me, but we are leaving this city in 4 years to return to where she is now and I believe she could still be with us in 4 years. Again, I am overwhelmed with the thought of moving her and us, by that time she will be 100% Medicaid, will it be hard to find a place for her to go to being on Medicaid? I am just feeling very anxious…again. I finally felt like all was ok and I was adjusting to this new normal, but I do think the AL would be better for her.
Was anything we said here helpful?
"Long term care or assisted living?
"Mom was placed in a LTC facility about one month ago. Now, I am wondering if we should have gone to an Assisted Living facility. I thought mom needed more assistance than an AL would be capable of providing. How do I know if mom is capable of living in an AL facility? She isn’t very mobile, less so since she has been in a nursing home. Has anyone had their loved one in a nursing home and then took them to assisted living? Does AL offer PT? Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me."
What I would do, if I were you, is to discuss this with the facility administation. They know your mom best, and can make a guess at whether she could thrive.
www.agingcare.com/questions/long-term-care-or-assisted-living-489981.htm?
Since she is "with it" involve her in the decision, making her aware if she moves closer to you she may have to stay there in four years if you can't find an appropriate Medicaid bed for her when you move.
However, what is daunting is the fact that she will be 100% Medicaid and that will limit the number of places that you can place your Mom.
I would start by touring places. Tell them what she is capable of and not capable of doing. Tell them your expectations for her care. Make sure you get a place that will care for her for life in a place where you can visit from either place you live in. If you are private pay, you will have a lot more options. Many places will not accept Medicaid as a move in, however, will accept it if the person lives there and is on good behavior and then goes on Medicaid some time later.
It is overwhelming. However, I'm sure you are up to it.
- Diane P.