My mother is 80 this year. She was hospitalized in December then went to rehab. She had a mild heart attack there and landed back in hospital with pneumonia.
She is back in rehab now for this week starting and her memory, short-term, has been declining for six months at least. She says 'I don't know' to lots of questions we ask her (basic ones) and doesn't use our names when we talk to her. She has 7 kids total, 5 of my half-siblings, one full brother (who is helping her in Rochester).
Her MOCA test came back today 20/30. They will retest her next week. She also has COPD, ejection rate in heart is down from 72% to 45% of function after heart attack. She is winded easily, gets tired, is having memory issues...
The question is should we be looking at straight memory care or start assisted with transitional option to memory care? That is looking like her option and we have to apply for her Medicaid in MN. Anyone know how long that takes to do? She will have to spend down and put money into her burial fund if she is willing so we have money to bury her when that time comes.
Also, POA is not signed yet. Trying to get brother on the ball and he is not doing what he should to help.
Any suggestions, thoughts, or ideas are welcome. Private messages okay, too.
I think it's really best to get expert advice about this stuff; it's very hard to "assess" one's own parent.
Look at places that are "Continuing Care Communities", ie, they have Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and NH all on one campus. Much easier than looking for a different place each time mom's level changes.