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wheat2587 Posted January 2010

I can't get unemployment, because I quit my job to take care of my parents!

Well, I just got off the phone with Florida Unemployment and they are saying that because I left my job to take care of my parents , whom are very sick and in their 80's , with no one else to care for them and can't afford to pay out some one to do it, I will not get unemployment. I know there is more to it then that , but my point is, do they want to have wel-fair pay for my parents ( very expensive for taxpayers) or pay me the small amount of extension of umemployment , so I can take care of them properly .They should do the math!!!! YES, it was my choice. I gave up everything to do this and I am being damned for being a good son and caregiver. I was making a lot of money up North and gave it all up, including my home, to take care of my parents . I feel ,I are being punished for helping the most important people in my life out. What is wrong with this system? I want to get into a local activist group for the caregivers around America and fight to help caregivers out there like myself to receive health ins. and other benifits. Anyone know of any in Port Charlotte Florida or other groups. I am so mad right now . I better stop and breath and think . Any comments out there. HELP !!!

wheat2587 Jan 2010
We have respite through the county and personal care , about 25 hours . It really does help, but what I am saying is . I am scared to dealth , what I am going to do financially . They own their own home but it's going to me and my brother when they pass. He does nothing . ( but that the way it is. They are very sick .Final stage Parkinsons ( dad ) and Corinary heart and a lot more my mom. God bless them and I love them but I don't know how much longer I can take this. They have very little income left . They do get Social security ( not SSI) They have medical and they are over not to be able to get assistance from Medicaid. I will take care of them but again , what will I do at my age when they pass. Why can't the goverment step in and tell the caregivers they will at least give us health insurance while we are taking care of our parents or someone. By the way , Florida does not pay caregivers for taking care of anyone. I called. But if we had to put them in a nursing home and they have no money, the state would pay the bill . and as you know it costs about $50,000 yearly and more if they stay there . We end up paying through our taxes . Lets try and keep our parents happy by letting them stay home and , then it would cost a lot less to pay the caregiver. The system sucks . No wonder the adult kids aren't able to take care of their parents . They can't afford it. SAD!!! I have nothing left. I'm not proud to admit I cry alot lately. Grown man crying , something is wrong. I just don't know anymore. Any suggestions . Thank you all of you for your support as always.

wheat2587 Jan 2010
We have respite through the county and personal care , about 25 hours . It really does help, but what I am saying is . I am scared to dealth , what I am going to do financially . They own their own home but it's going to me and my brother when they pass. He does nothing . ( but that the way it is. They are very sick .Final stage Parkinsons ( dad ) and Corinary heart and a lot more my mom. God bless them and I love them but I don't know how much longer I can take this. They are low income and just over not to be able to get assistance from Medicaid. I will take care of them but again , what will I do at my age. I just don't know anymore. Any suggestions . Thank you all of you for your support as always.

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Vickifisher Jan 2010
To wheat2587:

I am in a similiar situation only my father makes too much on his pension to qualifiy for medicaid and it would be foolish to try and meet their spend downs with the obligations that he still has in the upkeep of his household. I am the only one he has, unfortunately, I have no income. And, now that I have been off work for some time, it is VERY difficult to find work.

VF in KS

pamela6148 Jan 2010
What kind of income do your parent have. Are they receiving ssi, any retirement? Do they own their own home. You should think about IHS In Home Services through the State where you could be paid for caring for them. If they are on a small income you could speak with a Social Worker at Sept of Social Services and see if they are eligible for Medical.

I really admire what you've done though. It's wonderful of you to come home to them in their time of need.

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