I haven't been here too much lately but I'm sure glad this board exits. I have been having a lot of issues with my Mom who has ALZ. Friday she said she didn't feel well so I put her to bed and covered her with a comforter. She refused for four years to allow me to hire a caregiver or at the very least someone who would come in twice a week and help her with cleaning, bathing and general stuff. When I left on Friday, she could talk and walk. I called her on Friday afternoon and she seemed ok except she still didn't feel well. I called her on Sat morning because I wanted to bring her home and nurse her through what I thought was the flu. She didn't answer the phone the second and third time I called so I went over to her house. We called 911 and the ambulance took her to the hospital where I was told she had had a serious heart attack and a stroke at the same time. The hospital admitted her and now we are looking at a possible transfer to a SNF because she cannot talk or swallow and her heart has been very damaged. Prior to that she was not sick and did not tell me she was having any distress at all. The attending MD's basically said she has a limited time left because she has refused extreme life prolonging efforts in her Health Directive.

Because of this Board, I had the following things in place and carry them in a file folder in the car:

1. Copy of the health care directive from her will. Copy of my durable power of attorney.
2. Her medicare number and her supplemental medical care number.
3. Her SSN
4. Her California ID number
5. A spare key to her house


Today, I talk to the assigned case manager and find out where we go from here....

Thank you all for your loving support,

I'm so sorry about your Mom's heart attack and stroke.

Donna, I'm so sorry for this. It's so traumatic when things turn suddenly. Thank goodness, though, that you were prepared and there for her. I am sending you virtual hugs...

donna, im so sorry this all turned so suddenly. i will keep you and your mother in my prayers. Thats very smart thinking that you had everything together!! Stay strong for yourself and your mother. Take care.

Hi Donna,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom and her latest health issues. It must have been very scary to keep calling on Saturday and not have your Mom answer the phone, followed by having to call 911.

I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you have a good case manager who can find the best possible SNF for your Mom.

Donna,

I'm so very sorry for the change of events with your wonderful mom. Life isn't always fair and go the way we like it to be. Just need to enjoy each and every day to the fullest.

You're in my prayers for your mom to be in comfort and not in pain.

Donna,

I am so sorry about your mom. I pray for peace for both of you during this time.

Take care!

I have all Dad's medical and financial stuff in a brief case that I carry around with me everywhere. I get some odd looks, but I don't care. If it has something to do with Dad, I know Ill have everything in need in one location.

So sorry that you are having this glitch in the care of your mother. We all know it can happen and aren't you glad that you have learned all the wonderful hints that are shared here. Our prayers are with you and your mother as you step into another leg of this journey.
Sheryl