hystersister needs help *911*

In the last 24 hours the following things have happened:

*my stepdad who is the primary caregiver for my mom who is non-ambulatory with MS has been admitted to the hospital with in-operable lung CA with months to live.
*my 5 year old had her tonsils out
*my mom's sister has been dx with recurrent met mellanoma to her brain.

I need:

*where can I go to obtain caregiver help for my mom who is non-ambulatory? She lives in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Non-hospice care for her. I think I can get hospice for her husband.
*Is there a website out there for groups of families trying to coordinate communications when someone is sick or terminal? (trying to find a way to communicate with family/friends without a million phone calls)

I am on my way up to my mom's house now - she is FREAKING out. I am trying to stay focused but right now I can't move in with her because I have a 7 and 5 year old. Our family is spread out, my mom has no immediate friends.

One source would be to talk with the Social Services department at the hospital where your StepDad is. They would know who you can contact for care for your mother.

Otherwise, there would probably be Senior Services type agencies in your area.

Prayers that you are able to get things arranged for everyone. Sounds like it has been a rough few days for you.

s
Jane

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this, hon. You have had a whirlwind 24 hours!

I hope some of these links will help you.

Someone just the other day mentioned the website http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/

This is a page where you can keep everyone informed of what's going on:http://www.carepages.com/

Of course you can always create your own blog. There are many options out there for doing that.

As for caregiver help, Social Services or Visiting Nurse Association might be able help coordinate that? What about calling her insurance carrier and seeing what they can offer?



Good luck. Take a deep breath. You'll get through this once you know more of what's going on and get some decisions made.

I am sorry so much is going on right now.....lotsahelpinghands is a lifesaver. caringbrige or carepages are other ways to keep family and friends updated. A social worker at the hospital should be able to help with more resources in your area for you. I will be thinking and praying for you during this difficult time. Try to get your rest so you have strength. Take care. Tamara

(((Oh, sweetie!)))

I got a pit in my stomach just reading your post. The other ladies have given great info for you. I really just wanted to send some hugs and prayers your way. We'll definitely keep you and your family in our hearts.


monami

Aww sweety, when it rains, it pours doesn't it? I am so sorry. I highly recommend googling to see what is available in the area. Caringbridge is also an awesome website. And, like the other sisters mentioned, check with the social services people at the hospital. They will be more than happy to assist you.
As for the communication, our family found the best thing is to put a new outgoing message on your answering machine 2 or 3 three times a day with a report. You may say something like "It is 9 pm on Friday. Roy's condition is stable and the Doctors say ..... Please call back for another update after 9 am Saturday morning and Thank you for your thoughts and prayers". We even set our answering machine so people couldn't leave a message for us - that way, it was just a simple phone call from the hospital to change the message and thats it!

Best of luck to you and your family. You are in my prayers. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.