My work is 45 minutes away. Today, she wanted to cook something, so she turned on the stove to warm a pan, and Then she fell. I'm afraid we've reached a hazards point. I'm looking for someone close by who can get to her quicker than I can, but money is an issue. Any ideas where I can find charitable home check ups?
The problem with that is they have to be able to get into the house.
You can provide First Responders with a lock-box and combination and have a key in the lock box.
But it sounds like she should not be left alone.
Cameras or monitors that you can see from your phone or computer might be an option.
There are "alert" products that can detect no motion within a set time period but this type of monitoring does cost. (but compare that cost to that of a fractured hip, surgery, and 3 months in rehab what would cost more...)
You might want to look into Adult Day Care. She would be safe while you are at work.
I would worry about fire if she is trying to use the stove. A dishtowel or hot pad left on or even near a burner might start a fire.
How did your Mom notify you that she had fallen while in her kitchen? Was she able to get to her kitchen phone? Or is she using a cellphone?
A really good option is to get a medical alert type set up in Mom's house, where if she falls, she pushes the button on the pendent or wristband she needs to wear. Then that medical alert will contact you first or will contact 911 first, depending on how it is set up.
Unless it’s a very, very good friend or dedicated family member, not many will agree to be with Mom for free to monitor her in case she falls. When the nursing home insisted my mom needed a daytime sitter, she paid $20 an hour for the sitter to do nothing but, well, sit. Realistically, a person like this will be almost impossible to find. The world just isn’t like that nowadays, unfortunately. In small towns almost a hundred years ago, everyone looked out for everyone else. Not today. And that’s sad.
As JoAnn writes, Mom should not be alone any longer. Is this going to be an easy decision? Heck no. But, is it worth the stress to worry each day that you will come home to some trauma and possible tragedy?
Another option would be LTC especially if you have to work. Try Medicaid for this. You may have to take time off work to get everything in place.
Call ur local office of aging and see what they can offer.
Looks like ur going to have some big decisions.