Hiring Help

Our Aunt, who is almost 87 years old, has Alzheimer’s and though we don't live together, we take her to her doctor’s appts and get her meds filled, do her bills, cooking and baking for the week as she is no longer able to do any of that.  She wants to stay at home, though we're a town over from her. Is this feasible? She wants NO outside help either, other than my husband and myself.

Liz in California, 46

Dear Doctor Marion:

My 92 year old grandmother was recently currently hospitalized for a mini-stroke from which she is recovering very nicely, and I am trying to get her homecare services before she is released so she can return home. She currently has a home attendant 7 days a week, 8 hours a day, and needs additional home care attendant hours (two 12-hour shifts), as well as in-home physical therapy and someone to assist her with taking her daily meds.  I have spoken with the hospital social worker who informed me that it may take a few months before such services are in place, which I believe should not be the case, and which means my grandmother may be released without the services needed.  Putting her in a rehab will make her more disoriented than allowing her to return home. I have spoken to the attending neurologist who agrees she needs the additional assistance and have put my request in writing to the hospital social woker handling her case.  Can you inform me on how I can further advocate on her behalf, or rather, the next steps I should take to make sure she receives the necessary services in her home upon being released from the hospital?  Thank you in advance for your advice.

Lorena in Texas, 41