Follow
Share

My mom lives 6 hours away from me. She had a stroke in January 2024 and I was able to get her a companion thru Medicaid 3 days a week. From the stroke has developed aphasia and cognitive impairment. My concern is I am in stage 3 liver failure and in need of a liver transplant.
If my health continues to decline I won’t be able to make any decisions for myself or her. My husband has durable power of attorney over me. Her sister and brother are not able to help her. Will the state appoint a guardian?

Find Care & Housing
You say that her sister and brother are there. They will report her to APS as a senior at risk and in need of care who has no family who can act in her behalf. Yes, the state would appoint a court appointed Fiduciary to manage her care.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report
gladysrg9 19 hours ago
Thank you for your insight. Both brother and sister live out of state. She only has one niece but they are not on speaking terms.
(0)
Report
See 2 more replies
Your husband can make decisions for you. Is that OK with you?

Does your M need decisions to be made for her? Sometimes people’s situation is so simple that they don’t really need a POA. M’s situation might be more like this in a Medicaid facility rather than with companion care in her own house. It may not be what would be preferred, but sometimes the only option is not ‘best’. You might be able to set this up before your transplant operation.

If M needs a POA, it sounds as though your DH is the only option. Depending on the level of her cognitive impairment, it might be possible to get a solicitor to set this up. Their ‘competence tests’ are less rigorous than a doctor’s.

If none of these options work, yes, it might need a state appointed guardian.

Very difficult situation, sympathy and best wishes, Margaret
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to MargaretMcKen
Report
gladysrg9 19 hours ago
I am trying to arrange everything before my liver failure progresses further. My mom seems to be able to do all activities of daily living. The companion helps her pay her bills and takes her grocery shopping. My mom walks 7 miles a week. But my mom is starting to be verbally abusive and refusing the aide. She has locked the aide out a couple of times. Without the aide she can’t manage her affairs. I only have one family member in her area, a niece but they are not on speaking terms.

I am just overwhelmed. I am bedbound and may have to go into skilled nursing if my health doesn’t improve.

Thank you so much.
(0)
Report
Thank you for you. Responses
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to gladysrg9
Report

I'm assuming your husband (your PoA) is close in age to you. Even if he is now healthy, I would add a secondary "back-up" PoA who is a generation younger and local, because there is no predicting what happens in peoples' lives. My very healthy and fit 62-yr old cousin suddenly died of an Afib even. This has forced me to never assume anything.

I'm so sorry for your health problems. May you receive a liver and live a happy life with your husband. Wishing you peace in your heart on this journey.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Geaton777
Report
gladysrg9 3 hours ago
Thank you for the insight.

I will add a back up to POA.

Many thanks, Gladys
(0)
Report
It may be time to get APS involved. They can evaluate Mom. Sounds like Dementia is setting in from the stroke. If you do not have POA for Mom, APS can handle having her placed and the State taking over her care.

So sorry that you are going thru this and pray you are able to get a liver transplant.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report
gladysrg9 3 hours ago
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I will contact APS so they can evaluate her.

Thank you so much, Gladys.
(0)
Report
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter