I am fast approaching some memory problems. My siblings are scattered across the country and will not be able to assist me in any way. I have a son nearby but I cannot rely on him to step up. I am 78 years old and independent still but I can see the hand writing on the wall. I live in a small isolated community and have to drive 30 miles to the nearest town so I only go once a week. I have a dear friend across from me but cannot rely on her either. What will I do and how will I be able to get assistance on a very limited income?
Care managers can be expensive, though. Usually they work on an hourly basis, and if everything is going well and you don't need them very much, it's not that expensive. When you're in trouble, they're invaluable. I think you should try to find a way to afford it.
If that's still not possible, next I would suggest a cooperative. Check out "The Village Cooperative." It's a cooperative model for senior living - everyone helps everyone else (theoretically, at least - I don't have personal experience).
Another though is a continuing care retirement community, which is a whole-life care model. Once you buy in, they agree to take care of you for the rest of your life, even if you run out of money. There are exceptions, of course, so be sure to read the fine print. However, they tend to be very expensive to buy in.
The final advice I have is to take action sooner rather than later.
It'll be much more difficult to make good decisions if you are in poor health or if you have memory problems. If you wait until a crisis occurs, you may be sent to a community by a someone you don't know and who doesn't know you (e.g. a hospital social worker). Furthermore, if you're out of money by then, you won't get the nicest place in town.
For example, in my state, Connecticut, there is a program called Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. In my town there is a private fund managed by Area Agency on Aging that gives small grants to elders who have a need. In the case of my mother, I was able to buy her a transport wheelchair because of this fund.
Does you state have "211?" If you call that number you can often get answers about programs in your town / state as well.
Yes, I have a very limited income. So, I will either need assistance in 6 more years when my savings are depleted and/or take a home equity line of credit. I do not want to do this but I will have no other means.
It mainly is the feeling of being isolated and not being able to do some of the things necessary to keep up a home. I cannot move. It would not solve anything as I would still have to drive within my town. I am at a crossroads in my life.
I don't know if this would help, but it's quite possible that your GP or PCP would have a different contact number for them. Call their office and ask, it can't hurt. Or, do you have any kind of local phone directory? - they're often useful sources of information.