I'm caregiver to mom (87), currently in rehab. I have a f/t job and am going nuts trying to do this alone. Should I hire a care manager?

I agree...if it's possible...hire someone temporarily. Whether it's a care manager or caregiver...think of it as a short term soultion until you catch your breath. You can then have some conversation with her about what she wants and with yourself about what is possible...You may also want to set up a site (there are many possibilities) where you post updates about her and her care needs and start to form a "community"....so folks can plan ahead to go visit and help in the care...wishing you the best

Although a geriatric care manager (GCM) has an hourly price of $150.00 (or more in some areas), she or he will end up saving you time and money in the long run. A good GCM is able to work with the family and knows what resources are available to help you and your Mom. She can probably get everything coordinated in about 6 billable hours with maybe a once or twice a month check in. You want to make sure that your hire a REAL GCM because even some real estate agents are referring to themselves in those terms. If you decide to go this route, look up NAPGCM (national association of professional geriatric care managers) which has a site on-line to help you find one in your mother's area.
Just as an aside, I am both a GCM and former caregiver to my father who had dementia. My Mom will be moving in with me next May.
Best wishes and remember that you must take care of yourself, as well.

What does your Mom want to do? That is the most important question. Your a team now. You could hire aides if she cares to stay in her house, but that isn't a long term solution. Before you do anything two good books on the subject are "MY MOTHER YOUR MOTHER" by Dennis MuCullough, a geriatric doctor who espouses slow medicine, and " A Bittersweet Season" caring for our parents and ourselves by Jane Gross. Jane Gross a writer for the New York Times was in your exact situation.

You will want to think long term, not just this one incident. Medicare will pay for 10 weeks rehab. You can slow down, and make intelligent long term plans with your Mother. Research all your options, home care, living with you, or near you in assisted living, or nursing home. Breathe, take the time to calm down and get it right. Again read both those books before you make any drastic changes. They will save you much heartache and money.

Good Luck,. stay in touch, we are here for you.

What Blannie said. Unless you want to lose your job, your freedom, your security, your friends, and everything else dear to you and start care giving full time, which I don't recommend to anybody, start looking for a facility for her like yesterday. And do whatever you have to to pay for it, including taking out that loan. Having her near you would be great, you could check in on her, make sure she's doing well, visit often, but keep living your life. Best solution ever.

Maybe you can hire the $150/hour elder care manager as a stop-gap measure until you can put something more long-range (and cheaper) in place. Sounds like your mom needs to be in an assisted living facility very near you, so you can oversee her care (with help if needed) in a facility.