No income and dad pays for everything..He has short term memory loss and needs help with just about everthing. Has epilepsy, dementia, and recently had foot sugery to remove cancer so hes in a wheelchair for now. He moved in recently and I need resources fast! It has been good to read everyones comments as I too feel guilty spending my dads money. But bills have to be paid. What else can I do? My other sibling wants nothing to do with helping and he has his own health problems. Its really just my dad and me. Am I in the wrong?
Is there adult day care nearby? Does dad qualify for Medicaid? Do you have POA and other documents in order?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out what is available for elders in your community.
Barbara M., author
If Dad has income and assets, the most logical thing is for him to pay you. Or better yet, pay for some other help so you can go to work, while still overseeing his care. A day care center might be a good bet. Whatever you work out with Dad about finances, document it in writing!
How well do you and Dad get along? Other than financially, how is this new living arrangement working out? Realize that most people with dementia reach a point where it is nearly impossible for one individual to care for them in a private home. In the advanced stages of the disease it often takes three shifts of people to keep them safe and comfortable. Knowing this might make it easier to think about whether/when placing him in a care center of the appropriate level might make the most sense. This is NOT abandoning him. You still advocate for his needs, visit, and help him feel loved and cared for, but you do it as a loving daughter and not as a full-time, hands-on caregiver. I'm not urging you to do this -- just suggesting you keep the option in mind.
Dad may need full-time care for another ten or fifteen years. I know you need some immediate financial relief, and you also need to consider the big picture for the long run.
Please keep in touch and let us know how things are working out for you.
Dad has income and savings - he should do a personal services contract and pay from his resources you for the work you are doing. This is done all above board, with W-2, I-9 and builds your SS. You are working for free right now and that is just not what you want to be doing for the next decade +.
http://www.bc.edu/schools/gssw/nrcpds/cash_and_counseling.html/
The only other program that will provide funds to a family caregiver is VA pension which is available to wartime veterans and eligible surviving spouse.
Take care.