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She's been in Innovage since 2005. Innovage told us she would probably be able to go to the Loveland Innovage in November when it opens, now they say no. Our zip code is 1/4 mi. south of the zip they are taking. Mom wants to be home ,but still go to Innovage 3 times a week, like shes has done since 2005. We moved in March, since then she has stayed at Crossroads assisted living, & goes to Innvage , 2 days a week, in Northglenn, she asks me every time I see her , when do I get to come home. There is no place around here that I know of that is like Innovage. In our zip code 80504. She now stays in her bed at Crossroads except to eat, go to Innovage & when we pick her up. I"m concerned shes going to slip into depression. I know pace has a place in Boulder opening up in a year. She needs Help now I don't know what else to do. I did write medicare, on their web site, to see if they could do something, no answer yet.

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Seems this is only in NM, Colorado and a California. Hopefully someone on site has shared your problem. I'm from NJ
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Wow - call other people, like your state senators, talk with lots of people about this, write your concerns again. Times have changed today, but I got lots of appropriate services for my brother with his neurological disabilities - and I learned to investigate any new service options myself, and saw that they were appropriate for him, THEN I fought for them. Talk with people at the top at Crossroads, and if either is a national agency - talk with them about the difference of only 1/4 of a mile - and tell them, how she is too old (you don't say her age or disability) - but tell them what is true - that it is a major change for her to get used to a new facility, and it is really important to her mental stability that she maintains her familiar supports. The field is very bureaucratic today, with many people just following written rules and guidelines, but many people notice that these guidelines sometimes hurt people - you can point out the benefits of stable care, the cost savings that come from avoiding the turmoil likely with too much change. Note the specific support people she has at Crossroads, name them in your arguments, name the values that she gets from that specific organization. Find someone there who will agree with you!

It's not easy - but so many people never really try to argue for continuity, stability, familiar supports that are working well. I found the work was hard and frustrating and angry making, but worth it, and I was glad that i found people in each program who could see the value in what I was advocating, and who actually spoke for me and my brother. OH - and if you write up a not too long story, with some details of how that Crossroads has helped her, you can share it with her physician - often MDs who know you and your mom, will add their weight to recommendations. Finally, talk to the transportation company leaders - I found those folks were actually interested to help when they saw the value of special attention, and maybe they could find a way to advocate or change a zip code or a pickup plan - that would just add her onto the list with others they pick up - many do transport for specialized treatments - call around, tell people your worry, praise the great people involved so far, and how you and your mom want to keep them, and surely that is cost effective..... I've found that kind of advocacy encouraging, for you are arguing on behalf of something you know that works well, so you can advocate and praise others at the same time! If all fails, find some other medical specialist likely to back you up!! All the best!
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It may not be a Medicare program per se. I'd bet innovage is a Medicaid waiver program so it's administered uniquely by your state but within a federal guideline & some federal funding (CMS - centers for Medicare & medicaid). So uses Medicare coverage for billing some of the health services provided. If so, you need to deal with your state program to get some sort of dispensation to get mom approved.

Waiver programs tend to have strict rules for qualification as waiver funding is way more limited than a broader program like medicaids NH coverage.
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Ask for a waiver...it has to do with funding. Might be worth a call to a local elected official who could perhaps intervene in your behalf....sometimes there are piblic relations offices that can do that, especially if its being paid for with tax dollars.. worth a shot.....
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You do not say if she has dementia, so I'm assuming since you are on this site, she must have it. She will continue to ask to "go home" until the disease progresses, then she won't ask anymore. As far as the daycare, try a new one and give it some time for her to make new friends. Nothing strengths brain cells than new "connections". Medicare has millions of folks on their enrollments, so it will take some time to get a response. Be patient, and in the meantime, the calmer you are, the calmer you can make your mother.
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Have you tried to talk to a local community college to see if they have a day program for seniors that is inclusive of the community the local community college is in? in Illinois where I live we have PSOP. That is Public Services For Older People. Have you looked into the local churches? Sometimes local churches will have day programs for Seniors sponsored by the Interfaith Caregivers Programs if you have such in your area.
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JDStorrs67
My friend Luigi, who is en elder paraplegic, had to get featured in the Newspaper and write his Congressperson so he could stay in a community college day program. Get selective about your political actions and take them. I know how stressful this is and I am praying for your fortitude, discernment and courage.
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Ruthieruth is probably right - you crossed a funding boundary when you moved out of your old zip code area or region. Not impossible to get the dollars to cross the boundary also, but you will have to go up a few levels to make that happen. Someone in your new area or regional office will actually have to talk to someone in the office which formerly served you.
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I would go directly to your legislator's constituent services staff with an "isn't this illogical and inefficient" argument.
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I'm not too clear on the root of the problem, but I do know 1/4 mile is nothing. Make an appointment with the highest level person there and ask them to make an exception. After all, she is an existing participant. If transportation is an issue, surely she can get a cab or ambulette to take her 1/4 mile. If the person at the top says no, ask him/ her again, "how can we make this happen? I need for this to happen; what do I do to make this a possibility?" Find out what the hindrance is and fix it. If they are not helpful, ask who else you need to talk to to come to a solution. If they won't tell you, if they stand up from their desk and walk to the door, stay in your seat!!! Tell them, "I'm sorry, I'm not clear on something. Who was it I need to talk to to get an exception?" Still no answer? Rephrase. "I'm sorry, I'm here because I need for my mother to continue to attend here. What does my next step need to be?" If they say they don't know, you need to ask, "Who do I need to talk to to find out what the next step is?" Don't leave without a name and number. If you're really getting nowhere, then ask them again, "sir/madam, since my mom is already a longtime participant, can you make an exception?" If they say no, ask for the name of the person authorized to make exceptions. You get the idea. That's how I roll, and I have found it to be extremely effective. Good luck.
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