Follow
Share

Our father is 98 years old and under the care of a long time family physician in San Antonio. He takes medications for coronary disease; he has macular degeneration that has left him very little sight. He falls regularly but thankfully, so far the falls have not resulted in breakage; only terrible looking bruising and peeled back skin that recently required emergency treatment. He lives in the assisted living area of a San Antonio facility where he lived initially and for less than a year in an independent living apartment. Due to mobility issues and balancing, we moved him into the assisted living wing. He wants very badly to stay where he is, but they do not offer nursing care and as his physical condition worsens, we are very concerned that he will need additional nursing care. His doctor's nurse told us about Hospice care that he would be eligible for through Medicare. We also heard about your service from a friend whose aunt lives in an Austin facility much like our dad' and she receives additional care from All Care in that area. We would very much like to know if our dad would qualify.
Thank you for any advice or assistance you might be able to provide.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Yes the resident can have a visiting nurse with written orders from the MD for the scope of care. Hospice is fully covered by Medicare, other nursing services are limited to 60 days after a hospital stay. Sit down with the Head Nurse at Dad's facility and work out a plan.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Whether he's eligible for "home health care" is not a simple yes or no. The home health care has to be related to some medical necessity (like fixing a wound dressing after one of the falls you mentioned) but not just because he has macular degeneration. And the benefit will typically be time limited in some way. And the length of Medicare treatment also used to be tied to making progress "toward being cured" but I believe that standard has been loosened to "holding your own" (these are not the legal terms :) ) if related to occupation therapy, which does not seem to be your need.

Hospice is something different and does not sound like it applies here but check with your father's doctor on that. The way hospice works varies depending on type of supplement so check that out if your doctor says he's qualified.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

We were told by the friend that All Care would make a visit to evaluate Dad's need for services and then contact his doctor. The doctor would then (if he agrees) prescribe the services needed and a nurse from All Care would visit the facility as needed. (We are particularly interested right now in having a professional attend his bruises/abrasions to ensure they are being treated properly. It's difficult to get him in to see his doctor on an 'as needed' basis and taking him to an emergency care clinic is expensive.) Are we correct in how to proceed?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

YES correct way to proceed! A visiting nurse can make a world of difference. Visiting nurses can get the MD on the phone a lot faster than you can. They will give you peace of mind, too.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter