Mom's been in an independent senior apt. for a year now with mild dementia. Probably needs memory care in CA. Has no money. What should we do?

Question

H

HelpMomPls Asked October 2024

Mom's been in an independent senior apt. for a year now with mild dementia. Probably needs memory care in CA. Has no money. What should we do?

Just now discovering Mom, who's been in a sr. independent apartment complex, (with mild Dementia) now has incontinence, & hygiene issues. She's been immobile; only able to walk to cafeteria with a walker. Otherwise, she sits in her studio apt. all day. Due to recent events, she was moved to sister's home, but sister just discovered most of the above, and is unable to handle.We need to look into Memory Care facilityn in So. Cal., but Mom only has social security that she lives on now.Not sure next steps? Please help.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Decisions Dementia Behaviors Paying for Care Skilled Nursing Facility

7 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

Recent Questions

Related Questions

score 0 · Answer 1

Get a referral to a neurologist and make an appointment asap. Your mom needs a full workup for cognitive impairment. Many dementia patients are great “showtimer’s’”and can act their way out of a paper bag. A good neuro exam will show what’s going on! Good luck!

Helpful Answer (0)

score 1 · Answer 2

You can have your mom tested for dementia. At least in Kaiser they do that. You may also need a doctor that deals with the elderly. Not a doctor for the young.

Helpful Answer (1)

score 1 · Answer 3

HelpMomPls: It may be challenging to locate a memory care facility which accepts Medicaid, but you could Google search those in southern California.

Helpful Answer (1)

score 0 · Answer 4

She should qualify for Medicaid. In California, it is called Medi-Cal. Contact the DHCS and inquire about how to apply.

Medicaid is Federal funding, available in all states, to help pay for medical expenses for those who don't have money. Every state has their own rules and requirements for how those funds are disbursed.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 5 · Answer 5

In CA, Medi-Cal does not pay for memory care unless it is in a skilled nursing facility.

Helpful Answer (5)

Medi-cal now pays for assisted living/memory care in California. You need to get a waiver in order to be put on a list before placement. That can take time.

(0)

score 5 · Answer 6

Your Mom is unlikely to find a MC that will accept Medicaid. Some few do but that will be on you and Sis to research. Most are private pay and when the money is gone so are the rooms. As mom was recently in a IL situation I would speak with THAT company and ask for some ideas.
Unfortunately what you are now looking at is Medicaid application and a nursing home.
I do not know where you are in So Cal. If you are near any Pacifica Senior Living, Palm Springs or Hemet, do consider giving them a call. I think if Mom is able to go in ALF and not MC if "may be" affordable. And they may have ideas for you if they can't accomodate you. They were so good to my brother, they were reasonable 5 years ago, and I cannot know what now they may offer.

I wish you good luck and hope you'll update.

Helpful Answer (5)

Thanks for all. I've read all replies to my question, and I know you have a lot of experience, and have replied to me before. So next question - Mom is now temporarily in sister's home with hourly in-home care, as sis now understands that Mom is incapable of taking care of her own personal hygiene; basically can't do much for herself. But when Sis took her to Dr., Mom says all is fine, and she can do everything! Dr. tells sis that he has to believe what Mom says! Yikes! Dr. (her new PCP Dr. in CA) says he has no record of Mom's Dementia diagnosis - although she's been on Donepezil for past 5 years for early cognitive decline and onset of Dementia!. So I guess I need to search her other health records to find that diagnosis for sis, so she can give to new Dr.? And/or should I be telling sis to get a stronger diagnosis by a Neurologist in CA?? Help please and thank you!!

(1)

score 7 · Answer 7

Apply for Medicaid, look for a memory care facility that will take it, and in the meantime use Mom's SS check to hire home care for a number of hours every day. Much more info will be coming.

Helpful Answer (7)

Mom's been in an independent senior apt. for a year now with mild dementia. Probably needs memory care in CA. Has no money. What should we do?

7 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions

Ask a Question