Lighthouse for the Blind is excellent resource. They have 4 locations in Texas, just google Lighthouse for the Blind texas.
Well, I would hope that the hospital staff would not think that a 91-year-old patient “is not worth bothering about.” The social workers/case managers shouldn’t be sending people home without making appropriate arrangements; will the patient need a hospital bed, walker or a wheelchair? If the patient’s home is a second floor walk-up but they just had a knee replacement, perhaps they need to spend some time in in-patient rehab before going home.
Regrettably, I have seen that sort of neglect.
Just saying it’s something to watch out for. If not seen, great, but you have to watch out for the less compassionate/competent people out there.
Are you talking about the same man who was on “60 Minutes” a while back? IIRC, he had a brain tumor, and this was one of those freakish things that couldn’t be predicted.
I recommend contacting a local senior center, who can give them referrals to organization which can help them. Can she also get increased Social Security benefits for being blind? I know younger people can. Doesn’t hurt to ask.
I believe there is a tax break for being blind, not sure how it might apply to someone that old. And, of course, her financial situation overall would probably be involved in the calculation.
She ran a tax preparing business for years and I think she must be acquainted with the tax implications. A friend here in town told me she can go on Medicaid regardless of her asset profile and become eligible to have some financial support for stuff like home health/housekeeping help.
UPDATE: I spent the afternoon (all day, really) with Mary Lou and her husband and her oldest son–my ex, whom I’ll call Buzz.
TLDR: it was GREAT! Buzz had taken over and he will do fine!
After lunch at the house with ML and hubby, Buzz and I went off to Denny’s for coffee and pie and to discuss what has to be done. He understood completely and is 100% on board. He is prepared to be her advocate and Knight in Shining Armor. I am so relieved. He understands about the state program and the documentation she needs. If he has to, he will go to the doc’s office and sit there til they produce the letter. He understands the need to look into getting on Medicaid. He gets that a therapist would be good but we don’t want to shove too much at Mary Lou too fast. We are completely on the same page about the tasks and their priorities. Fortunately Mary Lou has PLENTY of money, going into this.
We had a great conversation apart from talking about his mom’s woes. It really reminded me why I liked him so much back then. He has always held me in high esteem, and we could always talk on the same level. Our breakup was painful but amicable-- one of those “we can be friends but can’t live together” things, and also he was desperate to get out of Texas. He is deeply in love with his wife of 35 years and is very happy and I’m delighted about that.
I will say that Mary Lou looked more faded and droopy than she did when I last saw her two weeks ago. Not lopsided droopy (as with a stroke), but like her mouth is receding into her face. Buzz is really afraid that she will slide into deep depression without mental and intellectual stimulation, and that is a real danger.
Buzz did talk to her doctor and the root cause of the blindness was vasculitis. Apparently she had a very bad headache on a Friday, but didn’t go to the doctor until Monday. If she had gone earlier, she might not have lost ALL of her vision. I gave some advice along these lines to a Doper the other day (I think it was @squeegee about his foot). You don’t ever want to hear the words, “If only you had come in sooner.” Apparently there is some nerve damage due to lack of blood supply, but it’s not clear how much (if any) damage there is to the optic nerve itself. Sorry, I’m telling this third hand, and badly.
Could not have gone better. I’m emotionally and physically exhausted. Thanks to everyone here for your comments and suggestions. I’ll update from time to time if y’all are interested.