I was just wondering if anyone on here knows some general info about having to go to a state nursing home (not private). I know the 50 states have different rules but maybe someone can offer some advice for myself.

Well i've had CIDP for 13 years and now it's paralysed my feet first then my legs and now my fingers are going out and i also live alone on SSDI but i just can't go on much more at this rate as i'll need some kind of care. I've been on SSDI disability for 1 1/2 years and so i still do not have medicare (2 year wait) and so can i call someone or even the police when the time is near and have them take me away to a nursing home here in new mexico?

Thanks if anyone can offer any advice ;).
harry

Harry, do you have any family member that can do some legwork for you? I know here, you can qualify for medicaid if you have no assets and limited income. That helps to pay for the longterm care facility along with Medicare. I have done some research in the past on this just for general knowledge but I do not have any specifics. Also do you know if your community has an agency on aging? Your doctor's office will probably have an employee that can put you in touch with a social worker who may be able to assist in your case. I know they handle that sort of thing here at my regional hospital. I am sure they would be able to provide some info as well. Have you tried to see if you qualify for Home Health? There are many levels of healthcare available such as skilled nursing, health care aides and home aides in my state. I am sorry I do not know the qualifications, but I am sure they would vary from state to state. I do hope you can find the assistance that you seek. Take care.


I just did a search for New Mexico long term care and found a wealth of information, including a toll-free number for the state's agency on aging. Can you try a search and see what info is available online? Evercare is a medicaid based assistance for long term care in your state.

You don't say if you are a veteran, but I know in my state there is some assistance for veterans as well.

I just wanted to thankyou very much goldyfm for taking the time to search out some of the info that you provided me with and i'm going to look into all that. I especially like the idea of being independant and living at home with a home health aid maybe once or twice a week would be fine as my SSDI pays all my living expenses every month.

I wonder if they can do things like shop for groceries as that was my main concern starving at home and also possibly taking the rent check to the landlord once a month or if i need a ride to see the doctor on a rare occassion as i try to do most things online or over the phone.

Anyway thanks so much again goldyfm ;).

harry

I just wanted to thankyou very much goldyfm for taking the time to search out some of the info that you provided me with and i'm going to look into all that. I especially like the idea of being independant and living at home with a home health aid maybe once or twice a week would be fine as my SSDI pays all my living expenses every month.

I wonder if they can do things like shop for groceries as that was my main concern starving at home and also possibly taking the rent check to the landlord once a month or if i need a ride to see the doctor on a rare occassion as i try to do most things online or over the phone.

Anyway thanks so much again goldyfm ;).

harry

Hi Harry,
I am on SSDI and have what is called in home support services . YES, it is just like what the other poster said, they help take care of you inside the home. Do all the things you can't do , and help you. Help with cooking, laundry, groceries, pay rent, anything you need. Take you to the DR. clean your house, or apartment. It is paid by medicad , so if you are also low income you will also qualify for this program. It is for people to stay out of nursing homes , and to be able to live in their own homes .
Best wishes to you. It has been a life saver to me.

Sure, Harry, glad to do as I was once a super sleuth on finding info online for a living and the challenge was welcomed. If you have not done so, please check out the Angel Food Ministries online. It offers a box of quality food items at reduced prices and is administered through participating churches. I know I can order mine online and pick up once a month. It includes a variety of fresh, canned and frozen items, including meats that is designed to feed a single person for a month. It saves on the food budget. Maybe if you have someone in your area that participates, you could have them pick up for you as well. It never hurts to ask. Also I would suggest Meals on Wheels that delivers a hot meal to those that are not able to get out. I also know there are a number of private home agencies cropping up that provide non-nursing housekeeping and errand services for a nominal fee. If you could consolidate all of your errands to one day, you may be able to swing the fee, especially if they can drive for you. I know here the going rate is $10 an hour for a minimum of 4 hours.

I agree that online is the way to go to order and bill pay especially with the cost and hassle of mail now. I do hope you get others' suggestions, as they may have more to offer than I. I do agree that one seems to remain healthier and more satisfied overall if able to remain independently living with a little help. Take care and let us know how it works out for you.

Hi goldyfm and mscat :wave:.

Firstly let me say again thankyou so much for your advice as it is great and i'm researching all of this on the net. I also looked up up the new mexico human health sevices dept online and i it provided info about the different state/county/volunteer agencies here in my county (otero) and so i'm really feeling better as i want to be independant and not in a nursing home. Infact i believe that i can even order canfood (soups and some meat) online from walmart and amazon and have it shipped and not have to worry about going to the grocery store as that was my biggest worry.

I'm 46 and i still feel very youngish and energetic as i hate this autoimmune neurological disease (cidp) as i miss working and having co workers and playing sports with friends and my familiy has written me off as ''the cripple'' and so i can get down at times but the internet has been my savior for info, entertainment and friendship etc.

Anyway you gals are my angels on here and again i really appreciate it and if i have any more questions i may ask you all and again thankyou !!

harry ;)

You are welcome, Harry. I find the info on this site very useful and the people here are very supportive. I am glad you found some info and have a lift in your spirits. I can identify as I worked full-time and held part-time supplemental jobs for many years and my work was my outlet as I had a spouse who was in bad health for many years before his death. Now that I am no longer able to work, I find myself using the cyber world as a support system and to find ways to make my life easier since I am not as healthy as I was in the past. I know that if you look hard enough, you can find a source for info for just about any obstacle you may face. Anyway, I am glad we were able to help in some small way. Please let us know how you are faring from time to time.