Need Advice-Home Health for Father with ALS

[Starfish2012]

Hi Nursing community,

I need some help-not sure how to proceed. My father, who is in his 70's, was diagnosed with ALS this past spring. His case, according to one of his doctors, is pretty aggressive. Currently, my mother is the primary caregiver for him at home. He has lost the ability to walk, toilet, bathe or transfer by himself. He's a 6'2'' man who is probably down to 200lbs. No trache tube. They have a CNA who comes in a few times a week to help him bathe and shave. He also has an occupational therapist who comes in to work with him. However, it's at a point where my mom needs more help-she can't do this on her own. So, I'm trying to look into home health agencies in their area of North Florida-my mom has virtually no time to sit down and do this on her own. My questions to the community are: What questions should I be asking to prospective agencies? What should I be looking for? Ideally, I'd like to find an agency and a (CNA or RN?) someone now and build a level of comfort so possibly we could arrange for this person to travel with my folks to my wedding in the fall. Any advice or assistance would be so helpful! Thank you!

[Isabelle49]

I am not sure, but your father may be a candidate for Hospice care. You could call a hospice agency and check on that diagnosis for hospice. Also, is your dad a veteran? There are benefits available for in home care. I think the benefits are called VA benefits for long term care. I wish you the best. Bless you.