Usually the answer to this is yes. If elder is in hospital for some other reason, say chest pain, and you call in the hospitalist you may get some scans and referrals without the primary. But usually the first step is primary. The primary then refers out to neuro-psyc. As POA you should have a diary of what is happening for several weeks so that you don't hear "Oh, I saw her last month; she's just fine" sort of thing. Good luck.
As Geaton said, start with her PCP. Have testing done to rule out any physical problems. But don't depend on him for a thorough cognitive testing. Have him refer u to a Neurologist.
Your profile says you have 5 other siblings. Are you or any one the PoA for your mom? If so, the medical PoA is the one who should now be taking her in for a cognitive exam.
If no one is her PoA I strongly recommend you or any other siblings encourage and help her put this legal framework in place. If she goes in to the doctor and the exam reveals cognitive impairment, she may no longer be able to create the documents because she will no longer be "of sound mind".
Without any PoA and with a medical diagnosis of cognitive incapacity those who wish to help her or manage her care legally will in this scenario need to pursue guardianship through the courts. This takes time and costs money and with other siblings it can become a circus.
If no one in the family pursues guardianship then the county WILL. In order to "make" her do anything in her best interests (but which she stubbornly and irrationally resists) "someone" has to have legal authority to bring it about.
I also strongly suggest you are transparent with your siblings about the next steps with your mom. They may have opinions but offer no actual help. This is definitely very common in families, but very unhelpful. Good communication, just facts. If they criticize what you do then tell them they can come and do it themselves. FYI your spouse and child have priority over your mother. Your mom is a mature adult who had her whole life to plan for this eventuality.
If money is an issue for her, you can help her apply for Medicaid if she qualifies for MC and you do not wish to care for her yourself in your home -- and do not feel guilt or obligation to do this, and do not submit to pressure from family, either. They can come do it themselves. In some states Medicaid will pay for some or all of AL, but not many. I wish you much productive help from your family and peace in your heart as you move forward and make decisions.
Oh wow, just read your profile. Forgive my blunt words. I have a feeling that you’re a strong woman though.
You’re a Texan! I promise that I won’t say, ‘Bless your Heart!’ 😉 heehee, I am a southern gal, so I know what that phrase really means!
In all seriousness, Please go back to counseling. I find that it really helped me to see things more clearly.
Yes, by all means schedule cognitive testing for your mom if you like.
Also, have you called Council on Aging to do an assessment on her and possibly get help for her.
Your siblings are useless. Forget about their input.
Concentrate on yourself. Allow mom to be cared for by a staff.
Break free from your husband if you don’t feel like there is hope for a healthy relationship.
Close the doors to anything that is holding you back and making you miserable. You can advocate for your mom in a facility and visit her if there aren’t Covid restrictions. Otherwise talk on the phone.
Open the door up for working with animals. That seems to be a passion for you. You would be a wonderful asset to a veterinarian.
Wishing you all the best. Mom will survive without you. Take a page from your siblings book and live your own life.
As POA you should have a diary of what is happening for several weeks so that you don't hear "Oh, I saw her last month; she's just fine" sort of thing. Good luck.
If no one is her PoA I strongly recommend you or any other siblings encourage and help her put this legal framework in place. If she goes in to the doctor and the exam reveals cognitive impairment, she may no longer be able to create the documents because she will no longer be "of sound mind".
Without any PoA and with a medical diagnosis of cognitive incapacity those who wish to help her or manage her care legally will in this scenario need to pursue guardianship through the courts. This takes time and costs money and with other siblings it can become a circus.
If no one in the family pursues guardianship then the county WILL. In order to "make" her do anything in her best interests (but which she stubbornly and irrationally resists) "someone" has to have legal authority to bring it about.
I also strongly suggest you are transparent with your siblings about the next steps with your mom. They may have opinions but offer no actual help. This is definitely very common in families, but very unhelpful. Good communication, just facts. If they criticize what you do then tell them they can come and do it themselves. FYI your spouse and child have priority over your mother. Your mom is a mature adult who had her whole life to plan for this eventuality.
If money is an issue for her, you can help her apply for Medicaid if she qualifies for MC and you do not wish to care for her yourself in your home -- and do not feel guilt or obligation to do this, and do not submit to pressure from family, either. They can come do it themselves. In some states Medicaid will pay for some or all of AL, but not many. I wish you much productive help from your family and peace in your heart as you move forward and make decisions.
Warning: whatever will be will be.
Try not to get sucked down with other people's ships. You can still be in your own lifeboat, planning where to go, what to do.
You’re a Texan! I promise that I won’t say, ‘Bless your Heart!’ 😉 heehee, I am a southern gal, so I know what that phrase really means!
In all seriousness, Please go back to counseling. I find that it really helped me to see things more clearly.
Yes, by all means schedule cognitive testing for your mom if you like.
Also, have you called Council on Aging to do an assessment on her and possibly get help for her.
Your siblings are useless. Forget about their input.
Concentrate on yourself. Allow mom to be cared for by a staff.
Break free from your husband if you don’t feel like there is hope for a healthy relationship.
Close the doors to anything that is holding you back and making you miserable. You can advocate for your mom in a facility and visit her if there aren’t Covid restrictions. Otherwise talk on the phone.
Open the door up for working with animals. That seems to be a passion for you. You would be a wonderful asset to a veterinarian.
Wishing you all the best. Mom will survive without you. Take a page from your siblings book and live your own life.