Marta had 4 aneurisms and an ischemic brain bleed. She is completely indigent. Has no savings, does not qualify for Medicare, and has not worked for 30 years. She was diagnosed bi-polar as well as having been hit by a car from behind in her early 20's. The crash crushed her lower spine and damaged her neck vertebrae. Due to her injuries and medications, she was unable to work. She has lived with her boyfriend of 19 years. They were barely getting by.
The hospital will be releasing her soon. However, she will need 24 hour care for quite some time. As well as therapy. Neither the boyfriend, nor her remaining family, can cover the cost of the nursing home. None of us are in a position financially or physically to take care of her.
I have done a great deal of searching but cannot find any services or programs that could take her.
We have been estranged for quite some time. The rest of the details of her life are unknown. I do not know how she got into this position. But this is where we all are as of now.
My other sister is trying to get her on SSI disability, but that can take up to 18 months. She has been in Tyler, Texas for the last 30 years.
We absolutely do not know what to do. Any information about county, state, federal, or charitable help/services would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Michael
Step back and make NO offers about taking her into your homes
Do not sign any papers, do not listen to the hospital if they promise to help once she's home (they won't, they just want her out), make sure they understand she is an "unsafe discharge", make sure her boyfriend doesn't go get her... if he does, he'll be stuck with her care in a very disadvantaged situation.
It sounds like what your sister needs is rehab, which should be paid for by Medicaid, since she is indigent.
The State will need to step in. From what you have described, your sister is very serious and needs help that no one can give her in a home setting. I am really surprised she has lived this long. I just lost a friend to a brain bleed and a classmate just lost her husband to one. Your sister needs 24/7 care in a SNF. Let the SW handle everything. If the State wants to pursue Social Security Disability to help offset her care, then let them do it. They may be able to get it sooner. I have been thru that process, you do not want to do it if u don't need to.
Don't allow the SW to say there is help. As soon as you take Sis out those doors, you have taken over responsibility for her. Just say NO.