Hi everyone,

I have been lurking this site and decided to come into the light!

I am caring for my father (age 72). He had his first stroke 8 years ago and has steadily gone downhill from there. He is now in the hospital with another stroke (his 3rd) and now they have found 2 bleeding ulcers. You can imagine a stroke and its treatment "blood thinners" with bleeding ulcers. Like the doctor said - they are just chasing their tails.

I have come to realize that his Medicare Advantage plan (that he bought at Wal-mart) is exactally what he has paid for - NOTHING! After two $950 copays in the last month - a change had to be made. Thank goodness I have worked in medical insurance for many years and was able to find him a decent policy. Costs more, but makes better financial and medical sense for his condition. I should have paid more attention to what he bought, but I just thought these plans were based on Medicare's benefits - wrong!

I am very stressed as I am an only child now and except for my DH, I am the only one caring for him. The hospital has been great with him and they are trying their best to get him back to the point where he can go home.

That will be my next challenge - home health care. He really needs 24 hr care, but we could only afford that for a short time. He has a little savings but it is going quickly with the numerous hospital stays he has had.

Thanks for letting me vent. With Dad in the hospital, me trying to keep my job, my DD with strep throat and a son having oral surgery, its all I can do to cope!

Welcome to you. You will find lots and lots of good info here to help you. The very best part of it is that you will find alot of support also. This is a very welcoming, empathatic, caring and loving group. Check back often and let us know how you are doing.

P.S...I'm in NC also.

Welcome luv!

You came to the right place for venting.
Great group here.

Sounds like a pile on your plate to juggle right now

Take some deep breaths. Tackle one step at a time and always ask for help when you need it! Since dad is in the hospital (being taken care of) concentrate on getting those kids well. Your experience with insurance will be very helpful. Take good care of yourself and kiss your DH because our husbands who help us and deal with us through the difficulties, stresses and emotional crazies of eldercare are priceless.

Please keep in touch and know you are not alone.

Welcome in luvthat48 glad to have you
Im sorry for all that your going through hopefully it will start to look up pretty soon.
Were here whenever you need to rant or just talk.
Medicare plans huh? Yeah been there done that and gave it back! Talk about the good ole government tryin to put one over on the elderly population.
I went over to AARP supplemental and havent looked back so whatever you did please share Im sure everyone is tired of me singin the praises of AARP already lol

Welcome in honey, and vent away. It sounds pretty overwhelming today, but just make it through the night. I hope we can help. You sound like someone who can help us too. .

I hope your daughter feels better soon and your son comes through his surgery like a song. Keep us up to date when you get a chance.

Welcome again.