I HAVE GIVEN UP MY JOB TO TAKE CARE OF MY ELDERLY PARENTS. I HAVE A 97 YR OLD STEP-FATHER, AND 88 YR OLD MOTHER, WHO BOTH HAVE DEMENTIA. IT IS NOT FULL BLOWN, BUT THEY CANNOT LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE ALONE, WHICH THEY WERE. THEY ARE NOT LIVING WITH ME, BUT THEY ARE LIVING IN A CONDO 2 MINUTES FROM ME, SO I CAN BE THERE IN A FLASH IF NEED BE. MY HUSBAND AND I TAKE CARE OF ALL THEIR FINANCES, DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND ANY AND ALL HEALTH NEEDS. OUT OF DESPERATION, AND EXHAUSTION, I HAVE A WOMAN FROM HOME INSTEAD THAT COMES IN TWO TIMES A WEEK FOR 3 HOURS. SHE DOES DO SOME LIGHT CLEANING, AND FOOD SHOPPING. SHE ALSO BRINGS THEM TO THE SENIOR CENTER FOR 1 1/2 HOURS ON A THURSDAY, AND IF NEED BE SHE WILL MEET ANY NEEDS THAT THEY MAY HAVE THAT DAY. MY HUSBAND AND I STILL NEED TO BE THERE FOR ANY FOOD THEY MAY NEED, IF THEY GET SICK, REPAIRS ON THEIR CONDO, ETC. ETC. HOME INSTEAD HAS GIVEN ME A MUCH NEEDED BREAK, AND MY MOTHER DOES LIKE THE WOMAN THAT IS TAKING ON SOME RESPONSIBILITIES. THEY COME TO MY HOUSE EVERY SUNDAY FOR DINNER, AND TRY TO DO SOME THINGS WITH THEM THAT THEY MAY ENJOY. BOTH ARE MOBILE, BUT MY MOTHER DOES HAVE A WALKING PROBLEM. SHE DOES WALK, BUT SHE NEEDS TO USE A WALKER, ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE IS OUTSIDE. GET NO HELP FROM MY SIBLINGS!!!!!!!! WHAT'S NEW, RIGHT!!!!!!!!!I WAS READING THE MESSAGE BOARD ABOUT GETTING REIMBURSED FOR THE CARE MY HUSBAND AND I GIVE MY PARENTS. WAS WONDERING IF I CAN GET REIMBURSED ALSO FOR WHAT WE DO. HOW DO I BEGIN TO SEE IF I AM ENTITLED TO ANYTHING. DON'T WANT TO SOUND UNCARING, BUT THEY DO HAVE SOME MONEY OF THEIR OWN, AND IF THEY EVENTUALLY NEED TO GO IN TO A FACILITY, I NEED TO START SPENDING DOWN NOW, AND I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING THAT IS NOT WHAT I AM ENTITLED TO OR WOULD GIVE ME A PROBLEM WITH MEDICAID. ANY HELP OUT THERE. KATHY
I'm able to receive food stamps and general relief, because of the fact that I can't get any other job now, I am the only one there is to take care of her. She doesn't qualify for county aid, and that's the only way we could use IHHS.
It's terrible, I mean, luckily my mom's income covers what little expenses I have now, I don't have much of a life being here all the time, but it's what I'm doing, and I will always be here for her, no matter what. Though sometimes it's very hard, as each passes, she changes.
Word to the wise: One can do many things without hiring an attorney, which can be costly. But sometimes, they can be helpful, depending on your particular needs.
Hope all is going well with you. Take care.