I Had To Fire a Caregiver Today

Taking Mom for A Stroll

It was a beautiful spring day. With the help of caregivers, I was able to take Mom for a stroll.

See Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R02cyEng86c

Lift Chairs are Helpful!

Does your aging loved one have limited mobility?
Do they suffer from arthritis or are they recovering from a fall?
Do they find it difficult to perform simple physical movements?

You may consider ordering a lift-chair.

After my Mom suffered a stroke and spent 30 days in skilled rehab, her physical therapist recommended a lift chair for the home.

I went online and explored the leading lift chair manufacturer products and here is what I found:

What is a lift chair?
A motorized chair for people with limited mobility. It helps you stand up and sit down. Some even help the user recline completely.

What models are available?
There are 2 major types of lift chairs. Both chair lift types will raise the user to a standing position.
1) A 2-position Lift Chair - A two position lift chair has a lift position and a slight recline position. As you recline in a two position lift chair your thighs and back stay at about a 90-degree angle. They do not recline fully for sleeping.
2) A 3-position Lift Chair - A three position lift chair reclines fully and allows the user to sleep comfortably. It gives you a wider variety of positions and allows the user to position their feet above the heart.

You order according to the height and weight of its user. My Mom’s chair is petite for people sized 54 or shorter.

There is also an assortment of colors and fabrics that complement the décor of your room.

What accessories/features are available?
Some lift chairs include optional features such as a massager and a heater. Detachable trays are available.

What are the Prices?
Prices range from $800-1500

Does Medicare Provide Reimbursement for Electric Lift Chairs?
Medicare stopped reimbursement for electric lift chairs in the early 90's and now will only reimburse for the chair's lift mechanism and motor. This will usually come out to be about $300.

See my demo video I shot in June 2007 of my Mom’s lift chair in our Chicago home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZWwQHxCUTY

Angels from Vitas

I had the most productive and healing time during this trip to Chicago to spend time with my parents. I attribute this positive experience to several key factors. First of all, my attitude continues to improve about my parents, the five caregivers, my role, and just life in general. Also, I was given the best gift. ---WE were given the best gift. I paid attention to my higher power and contacted VITAS, the nation's largest provider of hospice service. We now have a large protective blanket surrounding us that will supplement the current system of caregiving. I was pleasantly surprised to know that both my mom and my dad qualify for hospice service. This means we will have an amplified level of support. Of note, my Mom was declared terminally ill several times in 2005.

VITAS will provide a team that includes a physician, a registered nurse, a certified nurse's aide, a home health aide, a social worker, a case manager, a volunteer, and an ordained minister. This team is assigned to the Scott family and will provide support every week.

So far, I have met five individuals from this wonderful company. They have all been extremely supportive and helpful and comfortable and passionate about their work. Everyone I've spoken to over the telephone from VITAS has also been extremely personable and helpful.

On Tuesday, May 29. I made that first phone call to VITAS. The next day, Wednesday, March 30, my parents’ doctor called to authorize hospice service and we were able to schedule an appointment to coincide with my visit in Chicago two days later. That Friday, June 1, I met my first VITAS representatives. Two beautiful ladies spent from noon until after 5 p.m. completing all of the activities required to admit both my mom and my dad into hospice service. I spent extensive time, providing them with my parents’ medical history, insurance information, and the latest info on my caregiving team. They spoke with their physician and my parents’ physician, and they ordered medication, equipment, and supplies for the Scott family. From now on, in case of any emergency, we will contact VITAS to advise us on next steps. I signed lots of documents and authorized them to bill Medicare on our behalf--for everything. All their services are covered by Medicare.

The following day, Saturday, a nurse came out to assess my mom. Also, hospital equipment was delivered that day.

That Saturday happened to be a really special day, because we took mom out for a stroll in her wheelchair. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday!

On Monday, Crystal Brown, our primary registered nurse, came to assess my dad and to meet with both my parents. I like her a lot and I was happy that they both responded well to her. She is really going to work out for us.

That same day, we received our first shipment of medications via FedEx from VITAS. I am so impressed by their speed and efficiency in offering their services.

The best part of our whole experience took place the morning that I left for Miami. We met Reverend Ed Stivers. First, he visited with me and I explained our family history and talked to him about my parent's physical and mental condition. Then, he met my parents. He spent quality time talking with them, while Charlotte served their breakfast in bed. My dad's eyes lit up when he saw another man walk into the room. (He is so deprived of male company). Dad was on his best behavior; he was so happy. He could even hear almost everything that Reverend Stivers said. My dad seemed so mentally healthy I almost did not recognize him! It just shows how helpful it is for him to have male companionship. (He can barely hear anything that I say to him)

We all held hands and lowered our heads while Reverend Stivers said a prayer. The energy was so positive! It was such a powerful and moving experience. He asked my parents what they wanted from God. My dad said he wanted to get better. My mom said she did not want anything. Reverend Stivers incorporated their wishes into his loving prayer. It was such a healing and moving experience. It was also transformative!

As I journeyed back to Miami that afternoon, I felt complete serenity-knowing that all would be okay.

Thank GOD: We have more Angels watching over us!

Serenity

As I was packing for this trip to Chicago, on travel day, I was feeling surprisingly calm---consumed by a sense of peace and resolve that I don’t even recognize. Somehow, I knew everything was going to workout as it should and that I need not feel anxious or filled with dread. As I locked my apartment to catch my flight, I felt serene.


I am feeling newly empowered I have no doubt it is driven by all the journaling, research, blogging, and writing I have been doing for a month and a half now on caregiving for my aging parents. I had also arranged to meet with representatives from Vitas, the nations largest hospice services supplier. Some how, I know it’s the right thing to do—to further ensure my family’s safety and protection. VITAS will provide a protective umbrella around our current caregiving system.

This trip, I will videotape lots of activities. I will give my camcorder another try…..