Episode 4, healthcare debate

Today I went to visit my mom.  She's starting to regress a little.  For a short time she was taking her medication exactly as prescribed.  I got her a massive pill dispenser that broke down her meds into specific times of the day.  Even though it is just morning and evening she seemed to need something that said "morning" and "evening" for her to remember which ones to take.  She missed two doses since yesterday, though and her mental state was already in decline.  Christina has been working hard to find mom a nurse that can take care of some basic needs during the day.  Unfortunately mom can't afford too much so we are limited in what we can get for her.  I'm thinking an assisted living will be where she will end up, but cost and her willingness to go are big factors.

So today Christina and I talked a little bit about the healthcare changes going on in this country.  She is concerned that because she doesn't have insurance she will end up paying a fine.  That won't help her get coverage and will just make it harder on her family.  I've always been deadset against Universal Healthcare.  I've dealt with military hospitals and the level of care you get there.  I've heard Universal Healthcare is worse than that so it has me scared.  But the more I'm dealing with these roadblocks in getting adequate care for my mom the more I'm liking the idea.  Well, "like" is a strong word.  Maybe "tolerating" the idea is a better way of saying it. 

I've found it hard to believe that they (society, the government, health professions, etc) let my mom and people like her out in the community when they aren't able to make decisions for themselves.  It is obvious we aren't doing enough.  America seems built on the concept that everyone should "pull themselves up by their bootstraps," but the most vulnerable members of our community get left behind that way.  My mom's case manager told me that she sees so many heartbreaking cases.  There are many patients she sees who are homeless and she can do nothing about it, because it is their right to be homeless. 

Rights are incredibly important, don't get me wrong.  But at some point when a person is too mentally gone to make important decisions about medical care and living conditions don't we have the responsibility to help them, even if they don't believe they need our help?

Hopefully soon we will be able to start the guardianship process.  I admit I am too chicken to start it on my own.  I'm looking into organizations who will walk me through the process.  It's either that or work at McDonald's or strip to come up with the cash for a lawyer.  Of course after two kids and too many cheeseburgers I doubt I'd make a dime stripping.

I started calling my legislators.  My delegate Bob Tata has been the most helpful.  His assistant Vicki has run into the same road blocks I have, but is looking into all the legal options we have as for as guardianship or POA.  She even suggested that maybe Del Tata can look into writing a bill to change the laws if they need to be changed.  I won't hold my breath, but at least it seems like someone in power cares a little. Meanwhile I'm looking for help to walk me through the process.  I need to get started.  Every day that passes is one more day I can't help mom.