My mother is in what they call end stage alzeheimers.  For about a
year she has been unable to walk, speak or move in any way.  She has
not known me for at least 2 years.  Now she is having trouble eating
and swallowing. She is being fed pureed food, but most of the time
refuses to open her mouth.  She will drink the protein shakes and she
is being given liquid morphine for pain.  She is in an assisted care
facility with a locked dementia unit.  Most of the residents are
ambulatory and can do for themselves.  My brother and I think she
should be in a skilled nursing facility with more attention and
personal care. The facility disagrees with us and has told us that she
would not get any different type of care in a skilled nursing
facility.  At this point, since she can't do anything for herself,
would there be any difference in care?

Also, the facility she is in now she is paying for herself.  Because
she has excellent insurance, a skilled nursing facility would be paid
for 100%.  I just found out about this when I called the insurance
about a question. It's another consideration for us.

Thank you,
Peggy