Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
D
dkmontana Asked November 2010

Does anyone have any tips on relocating my mom closer to where I live?

89 yrs old lives alone has had 4 falls in the last 4 months. Has a house of 50+ years, no relatives in the town she lives in. I am her only child. I have husband 2 kids one graduating from high school in May. Just started a new job after being unemployed for months, no vacation time. Where do I start in this market should I put the house up for sale or rent it out. How do I locate housing IN GA. Our home has stairs and all the bed rooms are upstairs which she is unable to climb. She uses a walker for support since the falls. Just purchases a Rollator (walker with a seat) Guilt is killing me becasue I don't have time to take off work. I do as much as possible long distance even shopping and sending her things UPS

rohsims Dec 2011
I am an RN Geriatric Care manager and you need to look at your mother's overall needs. My recommendation is that she needs to live in closer proximity to you but a plan must be in place. You are not alone in this situation because most of us are going through similar experiences. Feel proud of yourself for recognizing the needs of your mom. Children seem to always feel guilty, being torn between children and parent. I'm sure you have heard the term sandwich generation. I went through a similar situation with my mother and realized the need for help. The first priority is safety. There are several areas that you need to look at but it is better not to do this by open computer. If you want assistance, this will be my Christmas present to you. It seems difficult and i understand the feelings of hopelessness but it will get better .I look forward to hearing from you and to help you and your mom enjoy these later years.
Thanks,
Ruth Sims

BridgetW Nov 2010
Have you thought of getting her a Lifeline Emergency Response button? If she falls, she can push a button and help is on the way. This may help until the decision is made.
It is a button she can push for help if she falls, gets scared, someone breaking in. It is waterproof and has a range of 1000 feet. It may give you a piece of mind until you get her moved closer. If you order in Florida, you should be able to take it with you to her new living situation if it is still needed. There should not be a contract for the use of the system either. Here is the web site.

http://www.lifelinesys.com/content/home

Blessings Bridget Wetterer

ADVERTISEMENT


dkmontana Nov 2010
What is Philips Lifeline do you have a website?

BridgetW Nov 2010
I also manage a Philips Lifeline program out of Indianapolis, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Have a great holiday! Bridget

dkmontana Nov 2010
Thank you Bridget, Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

BridgetW Nov 2010
Medicare does follow you, to the best of my knowledge. Does she want to move to live alone, assisted living? I would suggest you ask her physician what he feels is the best living situation, knowing her condition. This may help you to locate someplace close. There are SEVERAL types of facilities that you can choose from and several ways to locate them. Any assisted living, or over 55 communities have a "rating" with Medicare. Review on Medicare.gov, you will find a lot of information for your area once you decide the best housing situation for your mother.

I would suggest you speak with a realtor about her home. We currently rent my mothers, due to me not wanting to sell it for nothing. I do know there are some "laws" or "regulations" on this that are probably different in GA and FL, so I would suggest you speak to a realtor for advice on this and what is best for the property due to the current market in her area.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Deep Breathe, it is going to take a few weeks to settle all matters.

Blessings Bridget Wetterer

dkmontana Nov 2010
Thank you Bridget. My mom has agreed to move, but that change from week to week. I have started the process for life line. Feeling so overwhelmed between mom and High school college preparation for my daughter. My mom's physician has suggested to her since my dad past 2yrs ago that she should move to be close to me. She does not have mediciad but has medicare, will she have to re-qualify for medicare?

BridgetW Nov 2010
Deep Breath!!!
I would suggest you make sure your mother wants to move to GA. Change is very hard on the elder, and she may have a rapid decline after moving if it is not what she really wants to do. I would contact your Local Area on Aging and request support resources for you and your mother. There are several "types" of housing in all cities; you must decide what is best for your mother. Have you spoken to her physician to see their thoughts on moving her? If she is on Medicaid, it does not transfer from state to state; you would have to re-qualify for coverage in your area.
A lot to think about, but I would suggest the first step is to speak to your mother and see if she wants to move. Have you thought of getting her a Lifeline Emergency Response button? If she falls, she can push a button and help is on the way. This may help until the decision is made. Do not "rush" into this if your mother does not want to leave Florida.

http://www.aging.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHS-DAS/menuitem.9e91405d0e424e248e738510da1010a0/?vgnextoid=2050984bdfe80010VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD

Blessings, Bridget

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter