Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 9/1/2008

Question
My sister has Alzheimer. She fell the last step of stairs and fractured her small toe.  They put her in a leg support.  They said she can no longer live in her home because of the stairs.  We said we could help her down but they said no she should be put in a  boarding home care .  She is in moderate stage and sometime forget to use the bathroom.  What do you think of us caring for her and helping her down the stairs whenever she leaves the house for daycare? she is depressed in the home.  My family feels if we do it ourselves we will loose her medical  help since it covers boarding home care.

Answer
Dear Marj,

I cannot comment on your health insurance situation; I just don't know enough about it. However, I do think you should consider why your family would want to keep your sister at home. From your letter, it seems like she is living alone in a house she cannot navigate, and depressed. This seems like a situation where going into boarding care would be a substantial improvement for her. More stimulation and resources would be available.

You are all trying to do your best for your sister in a terribly difficult situation. Remember that - it's hard and you all have the same goal, the welfare of your sister. However, I think you need to have a family conversation about how the welfare of your sister can best be achieved.

Best,
Alanna