Hair on Fire

And it was going so well...

All the arrangements were made.  Movers lined up, all settled except the check and the lease for moving in...  and then a hitch in our plans.

Mom has been being treated for a diabetic ulcer on her big toe since before the first of the year.   Her podiatrist seemed to actually make it worse, so we got referred to the wound care clinic at the hospital.  Between them and home health care coming three times a week to change the bandage, things were finally improving!  When she wound up in rehab, they treated the wound every day.  I saw it during her assessment by the Home, and it looked SO much better!  The hole was really tiny now and we thought "Hurray!  Things are really looking up!"  

Not so fast, apparently.  All of her medical  notes had been sent to the Home, and in there was this word "debride" which sent up all kinds of red flags.  According to state regulation, if her wound is more than a "2" stage, she can't go there.  Or to ANY assisted living/memory care institution.  That kind of thing requires a Nursing Home.  

Ironically, I had just moved her wound care appointment from this Thursday to two weeks later because we'd be in the midst of the move.  Actually walked into the office and moved it.  Got the call on my way home.  I called Wound Care to change it back and got the "our office is closed for lunch" message, requesting I leave a voicemail and they'd get back to me after lunch.  Having left a message with them before that wasn't returned until after 5pm, I was dubious.  An hour after lunch, I called again and again was asked to leave a message.  I did, but not long after, decided to drive over there.  Time was of the essence and I didn't want to lose the Thursday slot we'd just vacated (this is a VERY busy place).  The nurse behind the desk raised her eyebrows at me when I walked in, but was very helpful.  After a couple of minutes, she found that Mom's slot was still available and reinstated the appointment.  Thank God!  

I'd also received a notice from Medicare that Mom's rehab wouldn't be paid for after Friday.  I wasn't worried about that since she was moving out on Friday.  Now I had to scramble to file an appeal because until we know about her move to the Home, we had nowhere for her to be and no way to care for her.  Results of the appeal happen Thursday as well, so Thursday is going to be a big day for me.  What gets decided about her toe and her appeal will make a huge difference in how this all goes down.  I feel like I'm running around in circles with my hair on fire, and the flames are spreading.  Pray for us... we NEED a good staging and a rehab extension!!!

PS - doesn't Mom look pretty???



Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 15, 2023 at 8:12 PM

    Hey it’s Michelle (Canada) I’m thinking of you today… and every day. What an enormous load of responsibility on your shoulders! I know you’re able, and you can do it, but I just hope it doesn’t become too much for you. Remember to take care of you in the process too!

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