Unbelievable

Earlier this year when Mike came out of the hospital, I spent almost 3 months trying to get him into hospice. I was told by our Medicaid agency that we couldn't do that without losing some of Nathan's hours. I went to social services and even contemplated an appeal. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I gave up the fight.

As I have previously mentioned, at the end of Octber, 2007, Mike's Medicaid agency changed. I was upset when they told me his nursing services could not be continued. Today they called to tell me that there is a hospice program called "End of Life Care" that we can enroll Mike, wherein he could get the same services he has now (same hours for Nathan) PLUS nursing care and home visits from a doctor. Is it me? Am I crazy? Isn't this what I tried to do months ago and was told "NO". When I questioned the rep about this she said "apparently your previous care manager lacked this information". That's an understatement!!!!

Needless to say, I will be looking into this program. I am told it is designed for people who have 6 months or less to live, but they CAN be re-evaluated after that time for possible renewal. As with all Alzheimer patients, no one can predict the end. Mike was administered Last Rites in January and look where he is now. Still here with us.