As you know Mom is scheduled for a comprehensive geriatric evaluation on Thursday, Nov 29 at 1:30 pm. I will be coming to Greenville that morning to take her, leaving that night or the following morning.
Talked to Kathy Greene, our geriatric care manager who helped us get this appointment, this morning. She confirmed what we already knew about the wheelchair transport service - not covered by Medicare. Mom would be eligible, however, for stretcher transport if it is determined to be a "medical necessity" for her. According to Kathy, with Mom's significant mobility issues, including impact of skin tears, etc., the doctors evaluating her next week might agree to give her a "Certification for Medical Necessity" form which would qualify her for stretcher transportation for all medical visits, including to Pugh, Ballinger, etc. This is something we'll be shooting for.
In prep for the evaluation I'm completely the usual "first visit" forms. I thought it might be a good idea to include our own list of questions we'd like to have answered by the doctors, that I would attach as a cover letter to their package. Please provide any questions you'd like to have answered and I'll include in the cover. I'll be sending out tomorrow morning so please let me know as soon as you can.
Bob and I are leaving Atlanta tomorrow at 11:00 am returning next Monday evening. Always available via cell: (404)275-9070 and (404)375-4966 or leave a message on our home machine.
Thanks.
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Another thought...
Talked to a friend last night who had a very bad experience with Ambien. I think Mom is OK with it but thought we noticed earlier in the year that she had a bad reaction to some other meds. If you have any detail info that you think the doctors should be aware of please let me know so they'll be able to evaluate her combination of meds. Thanks.
Also, based on what Kathy said about stretcher transport, I thought I'd schedule that for Mom's trip to this appt (about $88) as a trial and also to demonstrate to the doctors there that that is where we are. Does anyone see any downside to doing this? Thanks.
I think your strategy is a good one. Does "medical necessity" mean then that there is some Medicare coverage? Don't mean to be thick, but I'm just buzzing through the message.
My questions:
Why Zoloft - should we continue without some sort of psychology evaluation and follow up appointments for her mental health?
Why would Ambien (the two doses she is getting) not provide her with sleep?
Where does the crying out come from?
Are there other "medical devices" we could consider to provide her with more comfort (e.g., pillows for under her knees, a neck pillow, etc.)
Is she exhibit dementia or simply emotion with the calling out (anger, sadness, frustration).
What are we missing in Home Care that would be provided at a nursing home facility?
How does one "decide" to make the move? Who do we engage to help us with the decision?
In regard to Ambien, I believe that Mom had a negative experience with Ambien very early on (Dec. 05/Jan. 06) but it was being used in combination with other sleep aids - benedryl and/or Tylenol PM - so she was probably overloaded. This is my memory of the detail. Dan would know more.
Is her physical condition such that keeping her at home is getting in the way of "quality of life". Is it possible we are not givin her what she needs no matter how hard we try? Is there a point that home care just isn't enough? If yes, what would the shortcomings be?
That's all for now.
Thanks very much.
PS - I cancelled VA for Thursday/Friday, but kept them for Wednesday per earlier communication b/bw Jane and me.
All other caregiver slots remain unchanged. Right now, that I know of, no one is scheduled for Friday night - which I think would be the standard scenario, right?
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