My Mother's Had a Nasty Fall

[Crystal]

I'm stressing...

She was in a mood and pacing around the house when she suddenly decided to throw something (not uncommon, she does throw things when she's scared and angry), after which her left leg gave way and she fell onto a little table we had setup. The table gave way, the glass shattered, thankfully not into her, but she was on the floor. My dad was there, so he picked her up immediately and she couldn't put any weight at all on her left leg. My dad and I picked her up and carried her to her chair. We gave her some time to recover, after which she was still just as sore, so we attempted to carry her to the door to get her into the car and go to the Emergency Room. Sadly she was too sore to be lifted, so when we put her back on her right leg to rest, she resumed her mood, tried to walk away from us, felt the pain in her left leg and decided to lie down on the floor. We had no choice at that time but to call 911 and get an ambulance here, who turned up in a matter of 2 minutes and were rendering aid. They got her vitals, gave her some pain medication and got her on the stretcher and she and my dad have gone to the hospital. I will be joining them in just a little bit, but we're awaiting word at present on her condition.

Now that the adrenaline has gone I'm stressing terribly. What if she's seriously injured? What if she needs additional assistance getting around now? From a practicality standpoint, how am I going to pay for the hospital and the ambulance? Ugh...going to be a tough few months ahead all around .

Fingers crossed she's ok and not badly injured!

 

[Raine]

Hopefully just a bit worse for the wear and nothing lasting! Falls are always scary with older individuals, with or without hitting objects.

Health first, secondary concerns second. Fingers crossed indeed!

 

[Crystal]

Waiting for news of her x-rays...so anxious.

 

[shortkut]

What if she's seriously injured? What if she needs additional assistance getting around now?

wait until you get answers before worrying about this. If she ends up needing additional modifications or anything for home, I can ask Mrs. Kutford-Supreme if she has any recommendations

 

[Crystal]

wait until you get answers before worrying about this. If she ends up needing additional modifications or anything for home, I can ask Mrs. Kutford-Supreme if she has any recommendations

I'm a worrier, it's what I do best, lol

 

[Crystal]

Confirmed it's a broken hip. She's having surgery either tonight or tomorrow morning and then physical therapy once she recovers a bit.

 

[Raine]

That's unfortunate! Sorry to hear that.

It'll be hard, but try and get a good night's sleep. Don't get too far ahead of yourself; one thing at a time.

 

[Crystal]

Sleep is off the table, no question. I do have therapy in the morning, so fingers crossed something good comes from that.

 

[shortkut]

Confirmed it's a broken hip. She's having surgery either tonight or tomorrow morning and then physical therapy once she recovers a bit.

I’m assuming that was from the fall? Do they have an idea what caused the pain in the leg before the fall?

If she's having surgery, she will have a lot of precautions. If she has Med A, it should cover about 100 days in a skilled rehab facility, possibly with some coinsurance costs, as well as 90 days of inpatient hospital rehab. Take advantage of it so you are not taking on the entirety of her care while making sure she remembers the new ways she can and cannot move while waiting for the hip to heal

 

[Kat]

Yikes, sorry you're going through that!

If your parents don't have any/much income and no real assets, you might be able to just not pay the bills. Can't squeeze blood from a stone and all that. I don't think they can make you responsible for them.

 

[Crystal]

I’m assuming that was from the fall? Do they have an idea what caused the pain in the leg before the fall?

I think her knee just plain gave out on her, there was no pop or anything, just her failing to stand up and the table going over.

If she's having surgery, she will have a lot of precautions. If she has Med A, it should cover about 100 days in a skilled rehab facility, possibly with some coinsurance costs, as well as 90 days of inpatient hospital rehab. Take advantage of it so you are not taking on the entirety of her care while making sure she remembers the new ways she can and cannot move while waiting for the hip to heal

She has something called ALTCS, long term care support insurance, specifically for people with long term needs, such as dementia. I don't know how much will be covered, but I know already the ambulance is a no, the surgery is a partial and the rehab is likely to also be a partial. If they can keep her in for the initial rehab period that would be amazing, if a bit selfish on my part.

 

[Crystal]

Yikes, sorry you're going through that!

If your parents don't have any/much income and no real assets, you might be able to just not pay the bills. Can't squeeze blood from a stone and all that. I don't think they can make you responsible for them.

My dad has a good job with a good wage, but he's such a moron with money that most of his wage goes to clearing up past mistakes he's made, so realistically that great wage turns into...well...not a great wage after that's finished. I get paid a couple hundred a week to look after my mother. That's fuel and a little food for her, then it's gone. So times are rough, but they're going to see my dad's theoretical earnings and think we're lying.

 

[shortkut]

if a bit selfish on my part.

It wouldn’t be selfish. She would be getting better care than you could provide at home and you would be getting a much needed reprieve so you can care for yourself. You cannot provide your best care for her of you are not at your best

She has something called ALTCS, long term care support insurance, specifically for people with long term needs, such as dementia. I don't know how much will be covered, but I know already the ambulance is a no, the surgery is a partial and the rehab is likely to also be a partial.

is she eligible for Medicare? Can she have both Medicare and ALTCS? That sounds like a secondary or supplemental insurance, so she could possibly have both if eligible

 

[Crystal]

It wouldn’t be selfish. She would be getting better care than you could provide at home and you would be getting a much needed reprieve so you can care for yourself. You cannot provide your best care for her of you are not at your best

It would be nice to have that reprieve, if only for a little bit.

is she eligible for Medicare? Can she have both Medicare and ALTCS? That sounds like a secondary or supplemental insurance, so she could possibly have both if eligible

We've been struggling to get her medicare, keep running into speed bump after speed bump. Ideally she'll have it soon, but we're not hopeful.

 

[shortkut]

We've been struggling to get her medicare, keep running into speed bump after speed bump. Ideally she'll have it soon, but we're not hopeful.

I just realized there is no fingers crossed reaction… if you need a distraction

 

[Crystal]

I just realized there is no fingers crossed reaction… if you need a distraction

That I can do!

 

[Crystal]

That I can do!

That I did

 

[Webster]

I'm stressing...

She was in a mood and pacing around the house when she suddenly decided to throw something (not uncommon, she does throw things when she's scared and angry), after which her left leg gave way and she fell onto a little table we had setup. The table gave way, the glass shattered, thankfully not into her, but she was on the floor. My dad was there, so he picked her up immediately and she couldn't put any weight at all on her left leg. My dad and I picked her up and carried her to her chair. We gave her some time to recover, after which she was still just as sore, so we attempted to carry her to the door to get her into the car and go to the Emergency Room. Sadly she was too sore to be lifted, so when we put her back on her right leg to rest, she resumed her mood, tried to walk away from us, felt the pain in her left leg and decided to lie down on the floor. We had no choice at that time but to call 911 and get an ambulance here, who turned up in a matter of 2 minutes and were rendering aid. They got her vitals, gave her some pain medication and got her on the stretcher and she and my dad have gone to the hospital. I will be joining them in just a little bit, but we're awaiting word at present on her condition.

Now that the adrenaline has gone I'm stressing terribly. What if she's seriously injured? What if she needs additional assistance getting around now? From a practicality standpoint, how am I going to pay for the hospital and the ambulance? Ugh...going to be a tough few months ahead all around .

Fingers crossed she's ok and not badly injured!

 

[Crystal]

Thank you, Webby

 

[Foxy]

I'm so sorry this happened to your Mom. She will get the rehab she needs and while she does, use the time to focus on your own physical and mental health issues, something you rarely, if ever, have time to do. A stronger you does both of you good. I'm praying for good to come out of a bad situation.

 

[Webster]

Thank you, Webby

I had to care for my mom for nearly 9 years; I know how it feels to care for a loved one.

 

[Crystal]

I'm so sorry this happened to your Mom. She will get the rehab she needs and while she does, use the time to focus on your own physical and mental health issues, something you rarely, if ever, have time to do. A stronger you does both of you good. I'm praying for good to come out of a bad situation.

Thanks @Foxy , I'm doing my best to find out how to focus on me, failing but still trying.

I had to care for my mom for nearly 9 years; I know how it feels to care for a loved one.

I'm at 7 years, it's so, so difficult!

 

[Nae'blis]

Oh wow, that's unfortunate! Hope everything works out!

 

[Raine]

We've been struggling to get her medicare, keep running into speed bump after speed bump. Ideally she'll have it soon, but we're not hopeful.

Aye, that's normal unfortunately. I assume mom's still a bit shy age-wise, but is the total package Social Security/Disability something she may be eligible for? I mean clearly she's incapable of working or taking care of herself, but I'm unsure about the exact rules for qualifying. I would of course assume the cash assistance would zero out (or be significantly reduced) because she's married, but... that's secondary to the other benefits.

Did you at least sleep a little last night? Driving yourself crazy and being sleep-deprived isn't going to be super helpful.

 

[TD]

I'm sorry Crystal, this really sucks.
I hope the surgery and physical therapy go well for her.

 

[Crystal]

Aye, that's normal unfortunately. I assume mom's still a bit shy age-wise, but is the total package Social Security/Disability something she may be eligible for? I mean clearly she's incapable of working or taking care of herself, but I'm unsure about the exact rules for qualifying. I would of course assume the cash assistance would zero out (or be significantly reduced) because she's married, but... that's secondary to the other benefits.

She's 77, so well in the age range. Just perplexed as to why we can't get her help.

Did you at least sleep a little last night? Driving yourself crazy and being sleep-deprived isn't going to be super helpful.

30 whole minutes!

 

[Crystal]

Oh wow, that's unfortunate! Hope everything works out!

I'm sorry Crystal, this really sucks.
I hope the surgery and physical therapy go well for her.

 

[Raine]

She's 77, so well in the age range. Just perplexed as to why we can't get her help.

I am... dumbfounded. There's no earthly reason for them to deny her coverage and benefits. On either front really, but especially not with both. What the hell.

30 whole minutes!

Boo!

 

[Mark]

I am... dumbfounded. There's no earthly reason for them to deny her coverage and benefits. On either front really, but especially not with both. What the hell.

Oh there is… it’s just fucked up for us to say. With the shape the healthcare system is in, it’s cheaper just to let some people go.

 

[Crystal]

I am... dumbfounded. There's no earthly reason for them to deny her coverage and benefits. On either front really, but especially not with both. What the hell.

Boo!

Oh there is… it’s just fucked up for us to say. With the shape the healthcare system is in, it’s cheaper just to let some people go.

Sadly true

 

[Friel]

You seem to be going through a tough patch, Crystal. I hope the best for you and your family, and hope things start looking a little brighter soon.

 

[Crystal]

I appreciate that @Friel, we're struggling onward!

 

[Raine]

Oh there is… it’s just fucked up for us to say. With the shape the healthcare system is in, it’s cheaper just to let some people go.

Well sure, but, from a practical standpoint!

This is also how you create Super Villains. The amount of flipped tables and sodomized doctors would definitely get that film banned in at least 32 countries.

 

[Mark]

Well sure, but, from a practical standpoint!

This is also how you create Super Villains. The amount of flipped tables and sodomized doctors would definitely get that film banned in at least 32 countries.

Dude, I get it… but I’ve seen the healthcare system fail so many of my loved ones that I can’t help but call it what it is. The sick bastards prioritize profits over life.

 

[Crystal]

Surgery went well, she's in recovery and should be able to walk as soon as tonight. Not long distances or long periods, but standing and taking a few steps. It's a long, long road ahead!

 

[Mark]

Surgery went well, she's in recovery and should be able to walk as soon as tonight. Not long distances or long periods, but standing and taking a few steps. It's a long, long road ahead!

That’s excellent news. Hopefully she follows doctor’s orders and doesn’t forget that she can’t just get up and go… gonna have to be real careful with her until y’all know for sure she recognizes the gravity of her injury.

 

[Raine]

Dude, I get it… but I’ve seen the healthcare system fail so many of my loved ones that I can’t help but call it what it is. The sick bastards prioritize profits over life.

Likewise, regretfully. The sodomizing of doctors is reference to one such incident.

Surgery went well, she's in recovery and should be able to walk as soon as tonight. Not long distances or long periods, but standing and taking a few steps. It's a long, long road ahead!

Fantastic news!

Have they given you any ideas for, uh... I guess mom-proofing a space? I assume, perhaps wrongly, that there's some inherent danger with her mental faculties that will prove challenging? Or will they just keep her for a time until that immediate concern has passed?

 

[Mark]

Likewise, regretfully. The sodomizing of doctors is reference to one such incident.

I was simply trusting your judgement. If you felt that sodomy was a suitable penalty, who am I to object? It’s about time the healthcare industry gets fucked… they spend too much time doing the fucking.

 

[Webster]

I'm at 7 years, it's so, so difficult!

 

[Crystal]

That’s excellent news. Hopefully she follows doctor’s orders and doesn’t forget that she can’t just get up and go… gonna have to be real careful with her until y’all know for sure she recognizes the gravity of her injury.

Yeah, going to be a tough course forward and she'll need cosntant reminding, but we'll get her there.

Likewise, regretfully. The sodomizing of doctors is reference to one such incident.


Fantastic news!

Have they given you any ideas for, uh... I guess mom-proofing a space? I assume, perhaps wrongly, that there's some inherent danger with her mental faculties that will prove challenging? Or will they just keep her for a time until that immediate concern has passed?

So far it seems like they're keeping her until the worst is over. So that's good.

 

[Webster]

How's your mother doing, @Crystal, if I may ask?

 

[Crystal]

How's your mother doing, @Crystal, if I may ask?

She's ok. Sore and confused, but ok.

 

[Raine]

So far it seems like they're keeping her until the worst is over. So that's good.

I would say that is definitely the safest course of action, if nothing else. So very good.

Is it nap time yet?

 

[Crystal]

I would say that is definitely the safest course of action, if nothing else. So very good.

Yeah, agreed

Is it nap time yet?

She's had a few, thankfully

 

[Raine]

She's had a few, thankfully

I'm sure she's exhausted from the experience, so that'll help.

...But what about you?

 

[Crystal]

I'm sure she's exhausted from the experience, so that'll help.

...But what about you?

What about me?

 

[Raine]

What about me?

Don't make me spank you.

 

[Crystal]

Don't make me spank you.

Uhh...ok?

 

[Raine]

Uhh...ok?

Your mom's doing okay, she's in a safe place, everything else is what it's going to be for now. Therefore:

 

[Crystal]

Your mom's doing okay, she's in a safe place, everything else is what it's going to be for now. Therefore:

Nah, I can't do that.