What do you do when an elderly person turns into a toddler?
My 90 yo mother in law was getting along pretty well. Then, about four weeks ago, she tripped and fell. The friend who takes her for rides to doctor's appts and the grocery store, etc., took her to Urgent Care and told them (out of her hearing) that he didn't feel she was safe. So she spent three days in the hospital under observation and then went to acute rehab for about three weeks. She was then transferred to a skilled nursing facility. The thing is, she'll probably be discharged from there by the end of the week. She doesn't have the money for independent or assisted living (I can't believe what AL costs). We are trying to get her into a HUD-subsidized apartment, and may have found one. But here's the thing. Everything I or my sister-in-law have tried to offer her as a solution is met with a resounding "NO!" She says she won't cook (although she did just fine before she fell). She says she can't get groceries -- I said if she gave me a list, I would ... NO! I offered to go to the library and get her a book, since she says she is bored ... NO! I asked why not. She said someone would have to take it back. I said, no problem, I will, I go right by the library on my way to work ... NO! Finally, I tried to explain the apartment to her ... it would be very affordable and we could get caregivers, I'm sure, to make meals, etc. Answer? You guessed it. NO! The problem is she really can't go home. Her house is on three levels (including the basement) and I am terrified she'll fall and really hurt herself, or worse. She doesn't want to go home, either. I've tried to explain she can't stay where she is forever. This is driving me a little crazy. I can't stay with her full-time and my sister in law will be moving from SoCal here (NE Ohio), but not until May. My husband is in a wheelchair or in bed and is in the early stages of LBD. He is my first priority. Nonnegotiable. What can we do if my MIL doesn't want to do anything? Is this behavior enough for a guardianship?
I’m not saying let your mother learn the hard way, but as long as she has her mental faculties, it will be touch to overcome that NO.
Also, guardianship is costly in both money and time. I also understand the agreement has to be renewed annually at cost of $4000. Check on this before you undertake that route - I saw an attorney and even he said to stay away from it if possible.
ALso, if your mother has no money, read up on MERP..which is Medicare seizure of assets including her home to pay for her AL costs. Many fine people here can expand on that, I am learning about it also. Good luck. This is a difficult time for you.
Put it in writing to the SNF that she will be going home to an empty house. No family member will be there to care for her. No wiggle room on that. Also the SW to go her job and explain this to MIL.