FAMILY CAREGIVER AND POA
Katrina Gilbert shares her personal experience as the POA and primary caregiver for her 84-year-old grandmother, who has recently been admitted to a nursing and rehab care center. Learn about the challenges and best practices for advocating for quality care and handling uninvolved family members.
by KATRINA GILBERT
HI,
MY NAME IS KATRINA GILBERT. I AM THE POA OF MY 84 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER.
THIS PAST YEAR HER HEALTH HAS CHANGE QUICKLY LEAVING HER UNABLE TO CARE FOR HER SELF.
AS A RESULT, I MOVED BACK IN WITH HER TO BE HER PRIMARY CAREGIVER. OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS,
IT HAS BEEN VERY HARD COPING. I AM NOW DEALING WITH HER HEALTH, AND HER 50 YEAR OLD KIDS THAT LIVE THERE BUT DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR ANYTHING.
ONE MONTH AGO SHE WAS ADMITTED INTO A NURSING AND REHAB CARE CENTER.
SHE TOLD THE SOCIAL WORKER AND I THAT SHE WAS GOING TO BE THERE LONG TERM. I KNOW SHE IS NOT ALWAYS IN HER RIGHT MIND WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Katrina
Unless she is declared incompetent there is nothing you can do but support her decision. I understand that this is hard for you. Your grandmother may not want to be a burden to you.
She may be more “with it” than you think. Her 50 something adult children will have a rude awakening if the house they live in is in her name.
It will now have to be sold to go the pay for the care for their mother in the home. So, in so ways they will be paying for providing care for her. In ways they did not expect!
This is always a rude awakening for the uninvolved family members... that do not investigate the laws and rules.
As far as you being POA, Katrina , you will go from being her primary care giver to her advocate.
This is a very important role. You will need to visit often and at different times. Never be on a routine. Get to know the staff and the administration. Demand the best care. Be firm with the staff about what you want and be positive and acknowledge those that do a good job.
Do not hesitate to call the state for infractions you see. The facility hates that.
Always remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So stay on top of them, so grandma is always getting good care.
Do not hesitate to contact with any further questions.
Our Resources section can help you find the information and tools that you need. We have courses, videos, checklists, guidebooks, cheat sheets, how-to guides and more.
You can get started by clicking on the link below. We know that taking care of a loved one is hard work, but with our help you can get the support that you need.
Click here to go to Resources Section now!
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