Advocating for a parent with Alzheimer's disease is not always easy. It seems like you are trying to get her the best care within the home but are facing roadblocks along the way. Given your difficulty financing your mother's care, you might want to inquire about her eligibility for Medicaid. This could help alleviate some of the costs of caregiving, such as homecare assistance and medical equipment. With the assistance of Medicaid, you might be better able to continue to care for your mother in the community and keep her from entering a nursing home for as long as possible, pending her health status. For information about Medicaid, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or visit the Web sites www.medicare.gov and www.cms.hhs.gov.    I would also like you to know that your mother may qualify for a respite grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).These are awards worth $1000 in respite care services. The services can include usage of a home care agency, residential respite stays or attendance at an adult day program. To be eligible for this grant, you must apply through a not-for-profit AFA member organization.  To learn more details and request an application form, find the nearest not-for-profit AFA member at www.alzfdn.org, and inquire about the grant. Please remember that the asterisk (*) denotes for-profit members, so look for members with no asterisk.