Expert: Michalene Peticca - 12/9/2007

Question
My mom is 82 and rapidly declining with symptoms of dementia and pysical ills. Her sleepcycle is completely out of sync. She barely eats. She is very very sick, but knows who she is and who we are, and refuses to leave the house to go see a doctor. Will 911 come if i call? I see no other way to get her much needed medical help.

Answer
Hello Kimberly,

Thank you for writing.  I sense the caring in your request and I hope to help you.

I would not suggest calling 911 as that is for emergency responses only; however, i do note that you say your mother is ill and seems to need some medical attention.

Has your mother been diagnosed with Dementia?   Does anyone in your family have Power of Attorney for Healthcare?

If so, i would strongly urge you or a family member driving her to the emergency room of your local hospital and getting a good medical profile done.  If she is ill, they will admit her and treat her needs.  At that point, you can decide to send her to a Rehab section of a nursing home or other long term care setting.  (Note: she must have a 3 overnight stay at the hospital to qualify for Medicare at a skilled nursing facility!)

However, if no diagnoses of Dementia has been made and/or no Power of Attorney is in existance, then your mother may refuse care and they will discharge her.   Although, the hospital will have record of her being there and her condition.   You may then decide to contact your local Office of Aging and explain your situation to a caseworker, who may be able keep in touch with your mother as well.  

I know your mother's situation is challenging, and possibly the #1 reason for hospitalizations of the aged.

Being a child of an 82 year old mother myself, I understand your concern & frustrations and would still suggest taking your mother to the hospital as a starting point.  See what happens!!

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, M.A.