Hey all...
Got to my mom's AL yesterday. She'd been sick and I had already taken her for a chest xray and a urinalysis (both negative).
When I got there, she was really struggling to breathe so I 911'd it. (She has COPD as well as mixed dementia) They gave her a breathing treatment in the ambulance, gave her steriods in ER, repeated all the tests (still negative) and said it was an exacerbation of the COPD. I HATE these diseases. The only even partial high note is that today, she doesn't even remember yesterday. Unfortunately, I do. I stayed with her last night, she didn't sleep, so neither did I!
I notified my biological female siblings (2 of these) (not to be confused with my sister and my brother) and one did call Mom when I asked. The other one apparently just ignored my message. It never ceases to amaze me that we all had the same parents and were raised in the same home.
Just last week, we had talked to a hospice and they told us Mom didn't qualify. I called a different one today. Does anyone have any experience with Vitas hospice? It was St. Jude that said she didn't meet the criteria but with this new crisis, hopefully she will.
I don't post often but it is so comforting to know that I can come here and blow off steam. I know I'm rambling...I think I'll go write lesson plans and get some sleep. Hope everyone in cyber-land is doing well tonight.
Take care-
Sandy O

Wow. You've had a busy weekend!

I can't believe that nothing can be 'found' even though it's very obvious that your LO is struggling to breath!

As for your so-called siblings, I've got one of the male variety... it doesn't matter to him what we do with my mom... as long as it doesn't require $$$ or time on his part.

Come back and let us know how things are going, Sandy. We are either still in the journey or have just finished with our own LO's.

God be with you.

Oh Sandy, that must have been very scarry for you. I guess we can be grateful that your mom doesn't remember it.

I don't have any experience with Vitas. I used Odyssey and was very happy with them. I hope you can qualify. I don't understand why anyone would refuse you under these circumstances.

Sandy, I hope Mom is feeling better today. Also hope you were able to get some rest.

Good luck with the new hospice, maybe they will say that she qualifies.

Just keep trying with hospice. I don't know why some are harder to qualify for. I hope your mom and you are feeling better today.

Thanks everyone. Mom is still weak but seems a bit stronger today. Still haven't heard from the new hospice, they were trying to contact her doctor.
Keep you posted