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My mother lives with me, my husband, & daughter. I've recently returned to work & my husband is currently home caring for mom. She takes medicine numerous times a day and has dementia, and parkinsons among other health issues. Once my husband returns to work we'd like to hire someone to come in and care for her while we are at work. I'm lost as where to begin. I do know that she doesn't qualify for Medicaid or other assistance as her monthly income is too high. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great.

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I was told by a nursing home to check with the local hospital for a list of sitters.
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As geewiz said, the first thing you need to do is determine exactly what you want this person to do. Since my background is in human resources management, what I did was create a basic job description. All that really means is to make a written list of everything that needs to be done. Depending on how much hands-on care your mom needs, that can include things like doing laundry and light housekeeping. The best way for most people to hire someone is through a home care agency--there are many of them around. My problem with them is they tend to tell you whoever they are sending is "perfect" for your situation when the truth is it's a person who is available. Make sure the person is certified--different states have different names but it's usually a CNA (certified nursing assistant) or HHA (home health aide). The certification requirements also differ between states, so you could do a search on Google for your state's requirements to find out what the certification will mean for your mom's situation. Some agencies provide additional training for their staff in specialty areas such as dementia, so be sure to ask about that. I would talk to at least three agencies, asking them the same questions, take notes, and then compare what they say.

Keep in mind--they all want your business so they will try to tell you what you want to hear. Whichever agency you choose, make sure to write down whatever promises they make to you so you can hold them accountable for anything that's different.

Finally, I made the mistake of thinking that all home care workers were going to be excellent--they are not. Some are really wonderful and some are lazy and do the least they can to get by. Not to sound too paranoid, but I would consider getting a nanny cam until you know for sure that the person is taking care of your mom in an appropriate way. This can also protect the worker since many people with dementia make accusations of mistreatment or theft when it's only the way their damaged brains are processing things and not what is happening.

Hope this helps (and is not too negative).
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Meg, envision both you and your husband working. What will you need for your Mom? How many hours a day will you be away? Is she mobile, does she wander? Does she need meds to be administered? Meal prep? Companionship? Feeding? Help with ADLs (Toileting, dressing, bathing, etc) There are MANY home care services in your area. BUT you have to determine what type of assistance you/your Mom requires. You may consider adult day care for some of the time and in-home care for other days. Look into that for part of the time, they often provide transportation. Unless you know what you expect, it will be a challenge to seek help. BUT a word of caution. If you are having outsiders in your home, you will need to put EVERYTHING of financial or sentimental value away! This includes documents and statements. It can all add up quickly so think of how far you can stretch her income dollars. A trusted neighbor may be able to do some tasks but if you need help with toileting or bathing, you will want a home health aide or certified nursing assistant.
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One suggestion is to contact your county agency on aging for programs such as Case Management, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, housing, care referrals, etc,... go to the website link below.... click on your State.... now click on the city/county. https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging

It is good that both you and hubby will be back into the work force. I find work to be my escape and sanity :) Plus add to my own retirement.
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