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blair2579b Asked December 2014

How can I get a patient suffering from a long term illness emergency shelter?

I moved to Phoenix with my friend 5 months ago. Shes the best person ive ever known and has made a big impact on my life. Her name is maryanna and she is suffering from hepatatic encepholapty. She started getting sick about 18 months ago when we lived in Ohio. Its been her life dream to live in Arizona so when she asked me to come here with her i was happy to. Well here we are and all though i will never leave my dear friends side, I wish i would have learned a little more about her illness before making the move. Her health has really taken a turn in the past few months and the toxins building up in her blood have effected her mentally. Shes had a tips procedure 3 months ago and the only thing left is a liver transplant. Her docter says she doesnt qualify for one cause shes not healthy enough to survive the operation. Its tearing me up inside and i wanna sream out loud and tell him hes wrong. But hes right and my mary probably wont see her 63rd b day. The only thing i can do for her now is try to make her as comfertable as possible. Well the last few months has left us broke and we are currently at a motel and that runs out on december 16th. After that we are gona be homeless and i dont know what to do. I will never leave her side.

blair2579b Dec 2014
Thank u, Her medical insurance is sending out a social worker next week to evaluate her needs. Its been tuff trying to learn all the different resources in a city and state i know nothing about. But im getting there and i know we'll be ok. This is where she wanted to be so im gona make the best of it.

Sunnygirl1 Dec 2014
If she is disabled and/or terminally ill, she is likely to qualify for additional services. I found that out with my cousin.

If a person who is disabled or terminally ill, the dept of social services has the means to place them in a place immediately while the paperwork is being sorted out. I would support her as they do that. She may not want to go, but it's a place that can provide her with a warm bed, food, medication and transport her to medical appointments. They can also accommodate her with Hospice if that should be necessary. They can access her needs and determine what level of care she needs.

It's not a given they would take her to a nursing home. There are other levels of care that she may need at this point, if she is healthy enough. . Once she is situated, then you can focus on getting your job and living situation on track while you visit her on regular basis. I wish you both the best.

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JessieBelle Dec 2014
It is okay that you are only friends. The advice still applies. You are concerned about being homeless in a few days, so you need to make sure your friend is taken care of, then take care of yourself. Are you working or bringing in a paycheck for yourself some way? SSI doesn't go very far for two people, especially when one of the people is ill.

blair2579b Dec 2014
I know its hard to believe but im nothing more than her friend. Im only 35 and i can work but ive been caring for her alot lately. She gets SSI and ive been trying to get her into some income based housing but it just takes time. I dont think shes ready for a nursing home at this point. She has good days and bad. She gets really scared during all of her hospital stays and she hates the skilled nursing centers. I will make ends meet one way or another. I have a social worker coming out next week to hopefully give us some options. Thank u for taking time to answer. Yes shes,on medicaid.

blair2579b Dec 2014
I know its hard to believe but im nothing more than her friend. Im only 35 and i can work but ive been caring for her alot lately. She gets SSI and ive been trying to get her into some income based housing but it just takes time. I dont think shes ready for a nursing home at this point. She has good days and bad. She gets really scared during all of her hospital stays and she hates the skilled nursing centers. I will make ends meet one way or another. I have a social worker coming out next week to hopefully give us some options. Thank u for taking time to answer. Yes shes,on medicaid.

JessieBelle Dec 2014
blair, you'll have to put the romance aside and do the things that need to be done. Your friend may need to be in a facility where she can get proper care. Has she applied for Medicaid yet? That may be the best thing you can help her do. Then locate a good nursing facility that accepts Medicaid and make sure she is taken care of. You can visit every day and your friend won't be on the street with you.

Then you are going to have to do something to get back on your feet. Do you qualify for social security? Are you able to work? You'll have to find some way to pay your bills.

It is wonderful what you are doing for your friend and how you love her. But love doesn't pay the rent or buy the food. You need to make sure the essentials are taken care of first. You can still be in love after they are.

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