Edythe, you can get food delivered through Meals on Wheels. Contact your local senior center for information on how to enroll. You'll get a daily meal, double for holidays, but I'm not sure about second or third daily meals.
Is Edythe able to microwave meals? If so, you could stock up on microwavable foods (rising in cost rapidly in our area), so she (or you????) can address those meals.
As to doctor appointments, I would agree that 3x weekly is too much, physically and mentally. Anyone at that age needs some down time, and rest. But doctors will often schedule regularly to keep on top of an elder's changing situation.
Following on what RealyReal suggested, if you also have an independent transit authority (as we do in my area), they're also appropriate for arranging small bus transit. In addition, my father's community's Senior Center contracted for 1, then a second, small bus, to serve the community.
Contact your local department of transportation and get the application for the paratransit. This will give her discounted to free rides to and from wherever she wants to go.
They must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and she will have to be dropped off and wait for them to come pick her up.
You say she has MD and needs to see the doctor every 6 to 8 weeks, how does that translate into 3 appointments a week?
Call your County Office of Aging. They usually have buses for this reason. I suggest if Edythe has money she place herself in a nice Assisted Living. Her needs will only increase and she needs to understand u can't do it anymore.
Yes, I agree the doctor visits are a little much. I cut my Moms visits down. Her PCP was having her come back every two months. She was only taking Cholesterol and blood pressure meds. Law only said she had to see her dr every 6 months for refills. I only took her when she was sick or needed refills. Her specialists, once she was stable, I cut them down to 6 months to a year. Does she have heart problems where she is taking a blood thinner that needs checking. Even so, I think thats once a month.
Thanks for the info on cutting down on doctor visits. Unfortunately, Edythe has macular degeneration and must see her eye doctor every 6 to 8 weeks. But we're cutting back on the other doctors/dentists.
Is Edythe of sound mind? Is she responsible for herself? If so Edythe has to call a cab or other Ride Share and get a ride to the doctors office. If she is going to different doctors 3 times a week that is a lot for anyone and the visits should be consolidated so that she only has to go out 1 time. The doctors can share information. Some of the visits might be able to be done with or by a Visiting Nurse. She can ask her doctors office about it.
Grocery shopping can be done on line and food can be delivered.
If Edyth is not of sound mind and can not care for herself without your help then her relatives should be contacted and informed that she can not manage on her own. You can contact APS and express your concerns that she is not going to be cared for and that she is a vulnerable senior. You could contact (or help her contact) the local Area Agency on Aging and see what services she may qualify for.
The important thing for you to remember is YOU are NOT responsible for her. As a friend you can only do so much. Do not harm yourself trying to care for her.
Is Edythe able to microwave meals? If so, you could stock up on microwavable foods (rising in cost rapidly in our area), so she (or you????) can address those meals.
As to doctor appointments, I would agree that 3x weekly is too much, physically and mentally. Anyone at that age needs some down time, and rest. But doctors will often schedule regularly to keep on top of an elder's changing situation.
Following on what RealyReal suggested, if you also have an independent transit authority (as we do in my area), they're also appropriate for arranging small bus transit. In addition, my father's community's Senior Center contracted for 1, then a second, small bus, to serve the community.
They must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and she will have to be dropped off and wait for them to come pick her up.
You say she has MD and needs to see the doctor every 6 to 8 weeks, how does that translate into 3 appointments a week?
Thank you
Yes, I agree the doctor visits are a little much. I cut my Moms visits down. Her PCP was having her come back every two months. She was only taking Cholesterol and blood pressure meds. Law only said she had to see her dr every 6 months for refills. I only took her when she was sick or needed refills. Her specialists, once she was stable, I cut them down to 6 months to a year. Does she have heart problems where she is taking a blood thinner that needs checking. Even so, I think thats once a month.
If so Edythe has to call a cab or other Ride Share and get a ride to the doctors office.
If she is going to different doctors 3 times a week that is a lot for anyone and the visits should be consolidated so that she only has to go out 1 time. The doctors can share information. Some of the visits might be able to be done with or by a Visiting Nurse. She can ask her doctors office about it.
Grocery shopping can be done on line and food can be delivered.
If Edyth is not of sound mind and can not care for herself without your help then her relatives should be contacted and informed that she can not manage on her own.
You can contact APS and express your concerns that she is not going to be cared for and that she is a vulnerable senior.
You could contact (or help her contact) the local Area Agency on Aging and see what services she may qualify for.
The important thing for you to remember is YOU are NOT responsible for her.
As a friend you can only do so much. Do not harm yourself trying to care for her.