My folks are currently in an independent/ALF hybrid (apartment style). Things have been fine through this lockdown until my father's dementia took a turn. He qualified for visits from a hospice nurse through Medicare, but now the hospice nurse is saying he needs a night nurse (due to disorientation, confusion and falls in the night). My mom is physically disabled and can only press call button for assistance but that can take at least 20 minutes for a response. They cannot afford a night nurse as recommended and because of the lockdown, moving to memory care is on hold.
Any thoughts/ideas on how to manage this?
Many thanks...this community has saved my sanity many times.
As very temporary measures.. some height & light adjustments?
A floor lowered bed up against the wall with 'crash-mats' along other side for Dad. (hospice may provide or hire). Won't stop a fall but he would roll out safer instead. *But only if he is unable to get out of bed by himself* otherwise it would make falls worse!
Sensor alarm mat on floor next to bed? Maybe would speed up staff? As instead of what now? They know he's up & they have that falls duty of care. Maybe. *Be aware that some people try to step OVER the mat thinking it's a hole & then fall*.
Motion sensor light in bathroom (if don't have already).
Hire a student CNA? They would sleep there but must wake to that sensor mat alarm, turn on a light & either bring a urinal bottle, or walk him to bathroom (if safe) or stall him until other staff get there.
An experienced hospice nurse should have knowledge of fall risk strategies.
From the description in the original post I don't think a Nurse is necessary. Why pay a higher price for a Nurse hen a "sitter" or "companion" is all that is needed.
Someone like this would not be paid as much as a nurse.
You can contact an agency and ask, or hire privately. The problem hiring privately is background checks and all the taxes and paperwork involved. And finding someone that is honest and trustworthy. You could ask a current employee of the facility and ask if they know anyone looking for hours. Might even be able to split the hours between someone leaving a later shift and someone working an early shift. (If they are allowed to work privately)
Poor mom. This must be very stressful for her as well. What exactly would the night nurse be expected to do? I ask because many times if it’s a sitter all they do is call for help and the same 20 min would be needed until help would come. Push back on hospice to get them to investigate dad’s situation a little closer. Let us know how it resolves.