Hello, I am a 44 yr. old son of a Parkinson's patient. My father, who has been battling PD for around 20 years, recently
went through a traumatic surgery (SubThalamic stimulator implant) and is in very bad condition at the present time.
He was operated on at OHSU in Oregon and was cared for by the staff there for a very short time before being sent home
to be cared for by my 74 year old mother. The problem is my poor mother is having a very difficult time taking care of
him and all his needs... she barely has the strength these days to lift him from his bed and help him in going to the
restroom, getting dressed, etc. and so this situation has been very difficult for them both. And my father is still
trying to recover from the surgery... his tremor is worse than ever, he has constant pain in his legs and is in complete
agony. We hope that when he goes back to OHSU for adjustments to the stimulator that some of this will subside, but of
course we have no assurance this will happen.

In the meantime, I need to find a way to help my mother care for my father both of who live in Bend, Oregon. Since I live
in California, I am trying to research what options I have to somehow provide some assistance - I am hoping to find in-home
nursing that I can pay for... perhaps someone who can come and give aid to my parents at select periods of time like 3 to 4
hours in the morning and 3 to 4 hours in the evening. My problem is, I have no idea where to start, nor do I know what type of
arrangements can be made. I feel as though I'm helpless from where I live and need a little advice on what I can do at
this point in time.

Please help me in finding the best way to address this situation by pointing me in the right direction.

Thank you and God bless.

Hi Norseman,

I live right up the road from Bend, and you can call the Senior and Disabled services to coordinate help for your mom and dad. Coordinates medicaid program, in-home services, referrals, assessment, screenings, etc. Also local hospitals here have social workers who can coordinate in-home services.

The main number for Senior and Disabled Services in Bend is 541-388-6240, North Bend is 541-756-2017.

Area Agency on Aging in Coos Bay is 541-269-2014 also does the same in-home meal, transportation and social services and serves North Bend.

Central Oregon Council on Aging has outreach 541-548-8817, can locate in-home and personal care on sliding fee

Also Eldercare Locator is good 1-800-677-1116
Senior Help Line, 1-877-704-4567

You might try to get a respite caregiver, and a home health nurse.

Alzheimer's Center, 541-888-0130
Side by Side Group Respite, St. charles medical center, in Bend, 541-385-6358
LIfespan Respite Care Program, 541-343-5256

Meal delivery, North Bend Senior & Activity Center, 541-756-2441 if homebound.

Transportation, Dial-a-Ride 541-389-7433 in Bend.

Inhome care:

Evergreen in-home services 541-389-0006 in Bend
St. Charles Home Health, 541-388-7796 in Bend

Get your free copy of "Oregon Guide to Senior and Disabled Services" from the Oregon State Council of Senior Citizens, 503-363-3746. Its a 1" thick manual of every agency in Oregon

Look under Coos County for No. Bend and Deschutes County for Bend

[ July 25, 2002: Message edited by: careercounselor ]

Hi Norseman,
Welcome to the forum. I agree completely with everyrhing Susan has suggested. Also call the county in Bend and find out what services are available for the elderly. Let us know how it goes. We care.

Vicki

Hi Norseman: My advice to you would be to contact the hospital closest to your parent's home; ask to speak to a Geriatric Social Worker and see what services are available in their area. Most hospitals can supply you with brochures of all area services. My Mom lived in a different state from me when she first needed help. I discovered that her town housed a great Council on Aging that was a wonderful resource. My town has the District Nursing Association. I found everything the hard way, and only when Mom was hospitalized did I hook up with a Social Worker, that was the way to go. They had all the resources at their fingertips. Good luck in your search. Hope this helps, Susan