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She's Just turned 98 she's having trouble walking because she's losing muscle in her legs. I bought her a exercise elliptical machine to help strengthen her legs and she's also taking physical therapy. Both seem to be helping. It seems like she's forgetting how to walk.

There are nursing homes that offer respite stays so caregivers can get a break. Medicare pays for I believe up to two weeks a year for a nursing home respite stay in a nursing home. I'm not certain about the details, but contact them. Or a private-pay caregiver can be hired to stay with her for the time you're on vacation. That will have to be paid for privately, out of pocket.
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Reply to BurntCaregiver
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JoAnn29 1 hour ago
I just read that Medicare only pays for 5 days of respite when on Hospice. There are some Medicare Advantages that pay for respite care.
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Reply to Sandra2424
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Look for private caregivers through local hospice agencies. She doesn’t have to be on hospice, the local agencies often have lists of local private caregivers who will help families. You pay them directly, in cash with your aunt’s money. It’s private pay. Do this a month or two before you leave, so you can train them and feel comfortable with this person managing your aunt’s care. Then keep it going, 4-5 days every month to give you a scheduled break. It’s sad that local nursing homes and Assisted living places don’t make it easy to do drop in care for a week or two. They’re in it for the money, imo. Being an easy assistant for families without a long term commitment doesn’t have a good ROI. Oh yes, they need doctors orders and all sorts of paperwork and legal things filled out etc. is this what daycare for babies and toddlers is like? Why is there one on every corner? Maybe combine the daycare and elderly care so different generations come together to support each other.
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Reply to Beethoven13
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Look for nursing homes that offer respite care. Go and look at them (see and smell and observe the culture) and ask about staffing to patient ratios, how long they allow the guest to stay, how much it will cost, etc. You can also find out a lot about them by pulling up their government inspection reports.
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Reply to Hope21
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Yes. A short-term rehab skilled nursing facility would likely take her on for a week or two and provide exercise therapy. She might need her doctor's orders.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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Hope21 19 hours ago
You are right. The ones I have spoken to require forms that your physician fills out within a certain time of admittance—so you have to plan. You also have to provide their meds in the original bottles, with doctors ordered schedule.
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