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My sister and I live 12 hours away.
My mother was found unconscious in her home and is currently in ICU. We came up a few days ago, but my sister had to leave already and I'm going to need to head back to work soon too.
My mom has been diagnosed with Wernicke's Encephalopathy and seems to have suffered from some brain damage and will likely need full time care.

Needless to say, we're completely overwhelmed. Any advice on how to manage this transition from out of state. She's going to be moving from ICU, to a regular room and then to an assisted care rehab center until we can move her back with us.

How do we assure her care from long distance?
What about transporting her 750+ miles?

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Paul, the one time expense of moving your mom very close to one of you will pale in comparison to the expense (financial and emotional) of getting there for visits or emergencies. Unless you are going to get a geriatric care manager, find a good rehab/nh near you.

One more bit of advice. We chose a rehab for mom based on ratings and the recommendations of friends who had done knee and hip replacement there. NOT the kind of care you are looking for. You want a place that knows how to deal with dementia and dementia- like illnesses.
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Paul, the hospital discharge planners may be able to help you arrange the long distance medical transport. They should have knowledge of what companies offer that kind of service.
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When my mother ended up in the ICU, we were able to get her into rehab where live, (100 miles) with the help of social workers at the hospital. THey knew I needed to move dad with ALZ in with me, and no way could I do that drive several times a week. The transport may be expensive, but see if you can get any help with cost.. it;s out there sometimes! Good luck
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Thanks for the comments and advice, great idea to look into a medical transport. I've submitted a few request for quotes on that...I think the expense would be well worth the peace of mind having her close.
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Are there no relatives, in your mom's area? Or no friends that can check on her? So much moving her around, is not going to be good. My mother is much better off in her own community. A grandson is POA and my best friend checks on mother. She is 96. My sister and I are 1500 miles away.
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I agree with Maggie. Someway, somehow someone is going to have to be on site to deal with all the logistics, care issues etc. I'm a long distance care giver and make the trip home whenever I'm needed and stay for as long as it takes to deal with everthing. I'm retired so I'm able to do this. I understand that it's much more difficult if your working. You can hire case managers but I doubt that it's cheap.
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Why not see if her rehab can be started where you plan on relocating her? Rehab is prescribed just like medication. If she needs a medivan, that will probably be your biggest expense. But if you can get her into rehab at a nursing home where she likely will remain, it will be much simpler for you...and probably much easier on you.

I can't even IMAGINE managing mom's stay in rehab, being her advocate and making sure her needs were being met from an away location. I'd venture to say it can't be done.

You need to move her right away.
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