I'm 25 years old, and since I moved out of my grandmother's house at 22, it's been a downward spiral of depression, possible dementia, and just not having the finances to take care of things properly.
My grandmother needs financial help and will possibly need to move into assisted living soon. I am not able to take care of her when I haven't even started taking care of myself yet. I've gotten her bills in order luckily, but there are some things I can't help with. I do not own a car to help her with grocery shopping, but her budget won't allow delivery. Her budget won't allow for a lot of things once the insurances and meds are paid, as well as her rent. She lost her house a few months ago & is living with her niece.
Ugh, I just don't know how else I can be of help to her. I've been putting in applications for substitized apartments, but it's growing more apparent that she can't live by herself. Is there such a thing as Subsidized assisted living? All she has is social security. I can't help pay for anything!
How do I do all this!? Where am I suppose to go? How can I ask someone else to help me!!! I can't be working full time and doing this....
Your state might have a 211 information service, dial 211 on your phone to see if it does. The programs that might be available depend on what state and even county you are in.
regarding grocery shopping can she get around herself? some communities have door to door taxi/van service that is subsidized so for a few dollars each way, elderly can get to dr appts shopping etc. Yes there is subsidized assisted living if she qualifies. another option look up legal aid or legal services for low income elderly who can also advise her on resources since if she lost her home she is technically homeless. check to see if she qualifies for extra help under the medicare part D drug plans?
However, we both live in PA. (and doesn't 211 cost money to dial?)
Sorry, I'm just so picky about money because my boyfriend and I are trying to buy a house at the moment and will have a baby soon. My grandma drives, but probably shouldn't. I wish there was a Medi-car in this area. I tried to check around and there isn't.
Do you think if I called a social worker, they can help me walk through it all?
penn apparently does have a 211 service and there should be no charge for you to dial here is the info. also depending on her income and programs she is eligible for, she might get a social worker assigned . but you need first to hook her up with the right programs that she qualifies for so start with 211 or your area agency on aging. and if she doesn't already have a drug insurance plan under medicare you should look into that b/c i think the deadlilne for signing up this year is soon you can also call medicare 1800 medicare
By dialing 2-1-1 or by accessing the PA 211 database, you will have access to information to the following health and human services
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•Volunteer and charitable donation opportunities
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Every hour of every day, someone in Pennsylvania searches for services, from substance abuse treatment to care for a child or an aging parent. By simply dialing 2-1-1 our trained information specialists can help by answering your questions and connecting you to health and human service programs.
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Your grandmother needs someone to be in charge legally. This means you need to get her to agree to signing a Power Of Attorney from your post here I'm thinking you are the one for this job, because you truly care about her, and that's all you need to be to qualify as her P.O.A., you have to act in her benefit. So in order to do this you are going to either, research online and make your own if you don't have the money, or pay about $200.00 for a lawyer to do the papers. You also need her ID's for her to sign in front of a notary and a witness, so that the notary has proof of who she is and signing and stamping the P.O.A. is legally binding. The wording on the papers should not leave out any details as to what you have to do for her. I found this out the hard way. The bank accounts, pensions, cd's , IRA's, insurance policies, anything she has in her name should be mentioned and any actions you need to do for her such as, transfers, address changes, deposits, withdrawals, etc. Applying for assistance such as medicare,medicaid applications, resources, placement for long term care, for financial aid, details are important. Medical details as well. It may be hard to get her to agree to signing, that's a trust issue and sensitive.
Then you need to start making calls to senior services, and get any info. you can about your options. Make a log of who you call and talk to, any info. you get, it gets confusing.
Has she been diagnosed? This is important for you to know because then you can understand what her needs are for care. Medications need to be taken properly and routine is important.
You are not financially responsible for her but you can organize a plan for her care if you act as her agent as P.O.A.