Congestive Heart Failure

[eatkinson]

My mom had severe cardiomyopathy (EF of 15%) and CHF. She has a Bi-ventricular pacemaker that is not helping. She is currently living on her own in a retirement community (long story...she's very tough). I know I nor none of my siblings can take her in and I am currently researching Assisted Living places. We have very limited resources and estimate that she will be able to reside in one of these places close to 3 years on her income. Does anyone have any experience with this type of situation? She is independent enough to do her personal care on her own, and some light housekeeping, but it varies month-to-month what she can do. Then she rebounds and has a really good couple of months!! She's not ready for skilled nursing, and barely ready for Assisted Living, but I'm trying to plan for the future and give her the best quality of life she can have. Knowing my mom, she could go on like this for 10 years! (Seriously, she's defied death multiple times in the last few years!) As much as I know about this illness (I've worked in cardiology for 20 years) I feel bewildered as to the options out there. I'm looking for feedback on experiences with Home Health Aides, Assisted Living experiences, etc. Also, does anyone belong to a support group that meets in your area (for Mom)? Does it help? If so, how did you find out about it, through your local hospital? Thank you so much for your input.