The purpose is to give my father and I a break. My mom, who has Alzheimer's, is not at the point where she needs help getting dressed, being bathed, etc. My parents also have long term health care insurance that may help cover the cost of hiring someone. I know home health aides exist, but I thought they only got involved when your loved one needs help getting dressed, being bathed, eating, etc. Any thoughts about where to start looking and who exactly to look for?
Good Luck
They come and sit with my mother for 2-4 hours so I can get out.
I've never used an agency mainly because the ones near me require a minimum 5 hours day and 8 hours night and I don't have that much to do.
would you please share how much you paid for “sitters”? I need to get my own life back! I love my mom, but I just turned 70! I don’t have that long, myself!
Any helpful info would be appreciated. Thank you. God bless you!
three options:
1) If you just need a companion, I’d try local colleges with nursing or social service students (ideally graduate level) - or some one who is studying an area of interest to LO - we are considering a barter arrangement with one student who would have free room and board and stay with LO who .sleeps through the night.(barter or “slightly above min wage)
2) work of mouth - cultivate a network in your community lhrough senior center (which dad may enjoy) or religious groups - neighbors and family. Trust your gut and get references or ask someone you know who LO enjoys being with. This person will not have back up so you might need to have flexibility- depends on LO needs (18-25/ hour)
also local groups may offer moms meals or other supports to reduce burden on caregiver (ours provided housekeeping 2x month until we hired personal care aid through LTC insurance
3) if you need meal prep, laundry or bathing dressing - this is a personal care aid.Aging .com can provide you a list of Staffing agencies in your area that will send you folks to meet first and then, if it’s a match, you hire them. If not they sent another until you find a fit (25-32 /hour).(LTC insurance)
we are working on a combo of all 3 right now (mild - moderate ALZ)
1- M-F 10-7pfamily personal care giver paid by LTC insurance
2- weekends/ overnight - staffing agency LTC insurance (she has little ones who come and visit 1 brightens moms day)
3- M-F overnight back up and general companionship - college student (companionship) free room and board
Also my brother works virtually from LO basement as backup and my hubby and I take care of all external stuff (finances, groceries, bill pay etc)
VIP: also consider POA and trust options - spend down may be needed to qualify for Medicaid when LTC runs out.
hope this helps
Your local parish...
A website like care.com can help if you want to privately hire someone.
She would probably get picked up in the morning, get a breakfast, a lunch have activities and dropped off at home in the afternoon.
She would be getting socialization and activities that she probably would not get at home.
Some non-profits have volunteers who provide respite for family caregivers.
Finally, some non-profits have adult daycare, which will often even provide transportation.
Check around. Best to you.
When my brother was contemplating staying home with his early Lewy's I lived across the State from him and couldn't be there. I checked with them and they had light housekeeping, cooking, and SOME could drive you to appointments, shopping, post office, library, park.
You had to arrange for that ahead of time as it involved their checking licensure of the caregiver and etc. Insurance and et al.
At that time, about four years ago, was about 35 an hour and there were minimums in that they only worked for you if you needed 4 hours a day four days a week.
They DID give me some names they trusted. It is worth a call as is a call to your local council on aging. We never used them as my brother opted for a good Senior ALF after checking all his options, and sold his last small home.