How does a caregiver balance home-care cost with quality of life?

My parents have thrived being able to live at home and we have some wonderful private caregivers. Like you, my sister and I are trying to stretch their money so they will be able to live out their days at home.

I take care of my parents in the evening and part of the time during the day. Personally I am trying to preserve my sanity but not bankrupt my parents --- so the work schedule is something I am still tweaking.

We're currently reviewing all expenses and attempting to cut down or eliminate cost. For instance, we have begun to purchase certain groceries in bulk and looking at utility bills. Their water bill had gone up and it turned out there was a leak in the basement.

So that's how we've been trying to make it work so far. I don't know anything about Medicaid paying for home care. What I do know is that my parents have had unpleasant experiences in "rehab" after being in the hospital --- the same place they would go should we get them into assisted living.

You know, rehab was great when Mom and Dad could do a lot for themselves but the more dependent they get, the worse their experience in rehab has been.

I think there is no real answer to your question. Having in home care, as long as you can afford it, and juggle your life, clearly offers a friendlier living arrangement for your Mom. But, she WILL start to lose her stamina, eventually. That is the path ahead. She WILL start slipping. It may be coincidental with having more or less care, but it won't necessarily be correlated with more or less care. I think the real questions are will it keep the balance of life and care manageable for all of you as your Mom comes to the end of her life? And it will. It

For most of us, as our parents live longer it is inevitable that the money will run out especially if they need some assistance with activities of daily living. In home care provides an opportunity for the individual to remain safely in their home. Regardless of the choice, in home care, assisted living, or adult foster care, your parent will have to spend their assets. If their health deteriorates to the point where a skilled nursing home is required, your parent will still have to spent down their assets before they qualify for Medicaid. So you have to calculate how long the money will last with home care, how longer her health will remain stable, and if they will coincide. If you have to spend down the assets why not spend them on care in the home where your loved one wants to be and can enjoy.

If your mom has lots of money and you take care of her and she lives with you, you hardly go out because you don't like to leave her can she pay you, other wise how do you spend down to Medicaid. I just don't know what's allowed or what your suppose to do

Joe 34. In home care by a reputable agency is the answer. Depending on the area and the care your mother requires, the hourly rate is between $18.00 and $25.00 per hour. A trained and caring individual will come to your home and provide care and companionship so you have that time to go shopping, see a movie, and even see your own doctor. Studies show that family caregivers neglect their own health while caring for a loved one. The rates of depression are much higher for family cargivers as well. Call a reputable agency today and find out about respite care. It will be the best thing you can do for you and your mother.

But if i'm staying home with her all the time, Can i get paid something a little help financially would be great.

Hello. There is hope for your loved one. There are grants that are available to assist with the cost of keeping your loved one in your home. I am part of the SC Resource Group and I have some folks that you may want to contact. I know a great company that does provide 24 hour live in care for 190.00 a day and they do everything for the residents. Also, they have an hourly rate of 17.00 an hour. The Grants can only be given to seniors that are still in home. Also, once the money is gone you will need to get them on CLTC but the process needs to start sooner than later due to the waiting list. If you need the information on any of these things just let me know.

Please check with your local Area Agency on Aging or Community Mental Health organization. There is a waiver program with self determination where a family member can get paid for the home care they provide. It is based on need and I thought you mentioned your mother has money so she/you may not qualify. You also asked about getting away for short periods of time. If she can't stay alone then someone will need to pay for the care she receives if you step out.