We had scheduled for a hospice nurse to come by a few weeks ago. The woman was very nice and extremely comforting that we were doing the right thing. She did say, though, that we were not at the point where we needed hospice which is great news. She did suggest a program that Kaiser offers where a social worker from hospice will come to the house for a total of 15 visits (as needed) per calander year. We looked into that and the nurse to qualify us for the program came this morning.

This nurse was very nice as well. We explained the history once again and go through all the ins and outs of our personal situation as well. Mom has been accepted into the program (even though it is for dad and myself). We should be getting a call in the next few days to schedule the first appointment with the social worker. They will be available for us to get us on the right track and to handle situations that we cannot figure out how to overcome. I do believe that they need to find a different title than "social worker" as it sounds more like we aren't doing things correctly even though we are told we are going everything we can properly.

As we were updating the nurse this morning, mom broke down crying and walked away from the table. Since the nurse left and dad went back to work, mom has been shut in her bedroom and been in bed. This is an every day occurance anymore. Anyways, that is my vent for the day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Megan,
vent duly noted. So sorry for your situation.
It is such an emotional time as we try to get into the correct program for our loved ones and the 'system" is not always the place with the answers. I find that this board has more good answers for me than I have received from the people I expected it from.
Good Luck,
Sheryl

Megan, I just saw that you're in Englewood. You said mom walked away from the table ... If she's mobile the Johnson Adult Day Program handles people with dementia and the staff is wonderful. Don't know if something like that would help her or not, but I thought I'd pass it along.
Marie

Thanks Marie. I will definately look into it.

Megan, there are two Johnson centers, so I'm posting the website of the "good" one.
http://www.jadp.org/