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S
swegner Asked May 2021

What level of care would my mother require?

My 97 year old mother is a fall risk and can’t be left alone. She is ambulatory and wants to be independent; however, she needs a cane or walker to help with her stability.


She is able to care for herself for the most part (showers, dressing, making her bed, and getting her own breakfast and lunch)


Her eyesight and hearing is a challenge, and she is forgetful (has not been diagnosed with dementia).


She spends most of her time in her bedroom watching tv, with an occasional bit of time outside to get fresh air.


She needs help with dinner, reading her mail, washing and setting her hair, cutting her nails, shopping, errands, doctor appointments, housekeeping, etc.


My question is what type of care should we be looking for? It’s mostly companionship and making sure she’s safe, but there is also some personal care as well as driving and shopping.


Visiting Angels charges $38/hour no matter what level of care is needed. My mother doesn’t want to leave her home. I’m hoping for a workable situation with suggestions based on her needs.

Windyridge May 2021
I think this depends on economics. Mom wants to stay in her home, all elders do, but sounds as though she can’t be left alone for very long. Good in home care can be huge money. Visiting Angels probably aren’t going to cut it. If mom and family can pay the bills keep her in her home.

Assisted living is the other option and quite frankly the more affordable and reasonable option. It gets to a point where it’s more what do elders need than what they want. Mom needs to be safe and cared for. At 97 living at home is going to be a challenge.

againx100 May 2021
I wonder if the Visiting Angels can assess your mom to help figure out what she needs? Though I guess they have a vested interest in her needing more services?

Either way, good for you for getting her some help.

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BarbBrooklyn May 2021
I would start by calling her local Area Agency on Aging and getting a "needs assessment".

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