M-I-L with Huntington's and Depression

3/13/2010 6:55:49 AM #

Without knowing any more about your mother-in-law's living situation, current physical limitations, or what you actually mean by "fully functional", it is difficult to make any but the most general recommendation.  I would suggest you contact the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging "Senior Line", 412-350-5460, and speak directly to a qualified agent about her needs.  The AAA will be able to assess your mother and make suggestions for now. In addition, they will advise you over time about other resources you may be able to tap into.  Of course, I would be happy to speak with you by phone as well and discuss this option with you.

Answer by: Maxine A. Horn, Information and Referral Specialist,
AgeWell Pittsburgh

More Info on AgeWell and other Community Support Programs:
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3/13/2010 6:57:23 AM #

(Depending on where your mother lives, a Faith in Action OutReach or similar volunteer program)
may be able to help her with a volunteer who could visit with her once a week or so. If she is fully functioning, my feelings are that you should not consider putting your mother in a nursing home. I am not sure what the beginning stage of Huntington is like, but I could certainly understand her depression. Has she been in touch with a mentor? Perhaps someone who also has this disease and is living life to the fullest while able to? Also, if her family physician has put her on depression medication, please consider taking her to a psychiatrist, who really knows the ins and outs of those types of medications. I hope this helps,

Answer by: Cathy Pschirer, North Hills Community Outreach,
Faith in Action Program

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3/13/2010 6:59:06 AM #

Depending on where your mother-in-law lives and what her needs are, there are options for her.  There are programs for individuals who are nursing facility eligible but want to continue living in their own homes.  

In Allegheny and Beaver Counties, there are the LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) programs; there is also the PDA Waiver Program.  In Allegheny County, other programs for individuals 60 and over that are not nursing facility eligible but require some help include Options Services and UPMC Living At Home.  

Both of these can provide some case management services as well as some home health aids.  Almost all programs have some specific geographic boundaries as well as income and/or asset guidelines.  At the very least, I recommend that your loved one be seen by a geriatrician or a physician that specializes in Huntington Disease.  They should have the most information about where to turn for specific resources for what you need.  There may even be a local support group in your area for memory impairment diseases.

Answer by: Paul Lim, LSW, Clinical Social Worker
UPMC St. Margaret Hospital

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3/13/2010 7:00:52 AM #

Regarding the question, if she lives in Pittsburgh - the family can get in touch with Three Rivers Center for Independent Living. They provide services to people under the age of 65 with a disability diagnosis. There are other centers whithin Pennsylvania, which can be located on the TRCIL website at www.trcil.org, or email cwilliams@trcil.org (Cindy Williams).

Answer by: Anna Mary Lubbert, SC for Steelworkers Tower, EHDOC

More Info on Steelworkers Tower and other Apartments for Seniors:
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3/13/2010 7:03:33 AM #

The Huntington's Disease Society of America has a local chapter. They offer the services of a licensed social worker, who should be able to help assess your mother-in-law's specific situation, and let her know what local options are available. As one of the answers above suggested, it might help her to meet others who are living with the disease. The local chapter might help with that too.

Services provided by the Western PA Chapter include:
* A toll-free helpline, 1-888-779-HDSA, for support and information about HD
* The services of a licensed social worker
* Educational in-services done at nursing homes and health care facilities
* Informational materials provided to professionals and to families at no cost
* Family & Friends Meetings
* Stepping Stones, the chapter's newsletter published 3 times a year
* Comprehensive family education meetings
* Awareness meetings with nationally known speakers

Western Pennsylvania Chapter
PO Box 110223
Pittsburgh, Pa., 15232
1 888 779-HDSA
www.hdsawpa.org

Answer by: The Team at http://www.TodaysSeniorResource.com

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