Laurie Cook has no income and no savings, but she's no slouch.
The 43-year-old single woman left her career in child care in 2004 to take on a new role: caretaker for her widowed 81-year-old mother. Her mother suffers from Alzheimer's disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is on oxygen 24 hours a day and uses a catheter. Laurie now lives with her mother full time in New Jersey.
As if caring for her mother weren't enough, Laurie is also a legal guardian for her brother, Tom, 53. He shares their mother's home because he, too, has serious health problems. Tom suffers from autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite his challenges, he has worked full time at the same job for the past 34 years.
The emotional pressure of caring for loved ones has taken its toll on Laurie. And now, financial challenges are pushing her to the breaking point. Laurie's monthly household budget shows the family must borrow $757 a month to cover basic necessities.
Tapping the house, legally
OK, so this family is facing some very challenging problems. Let's talk about solutions.
Because there's no mortgage on the family home, it's possible Laurie could tap the equity to pay bills and reduce debt. The problem is that the home is in her mother's name, and Laurie doesn't have the legal authority to access funds from the house.
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Mgrady1
Jun 18, 2008 Suggest Removal
I am in a similar predicament. I had to move my invalid mother into my house. I had to take a leave of absence from my job and I have exhausted my savings and I am currently living on borrowed money from my credit cards. I have been trying to find help but every agency I talk to or I am referred to requires for me to pay for help. It is extremely frustrating to be referred to agencies only to find out they are not free. I feel for Laurie and understand 1st hand the hardship she is facing. Isn't there anyone or any agency that can help caregivers who have no money? Medicare and Medicaid could save billions on health care if they would implement programs to help the faimly caregivers. It would be a win/win solution for EVERYONE, especially the elder that needs humane care. I don't understand why the government doesn't see it!Molly In Florida
ladyk49
I know just what Laurie is going through. I also take care of my mother who is diabetic and has suffered from a stroke and is also a cancer survivor. I know how it takes a toll on the finances. I quit my job also to take care of my mother and it has been a financial hardship on me. Like molly I have used most of my saving and wish that there is some way that us caregivers could recieve some help from our own government agencies. It is tuff on the caregivers out there and everyday more and more people are leaving their jobs to take care of their elderly friends and relatives. It is difficult for caregivers to hold down a job outside the home and also take care of their loved ones. It would even help if there were ligitimate online jobs that would'nt cost alot to get into that way you could still make a living and take care of your loved ones. Kathy In California
Advice on how to deal with live-in mother
Needing to vent
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Hi, I'm new and I need help
You need the "Jacqueline Marcell emotional shield." Put it on every day, and then don't let anything she says bother you; all negativity has to bounce right off.
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