Follow
Share

My mom has dementia and I have been living with her and caring for her since August of last year. She is still capable of most things but I do all her shopping, all her cooking, and manage her medications. I dont feel right asking to get paid to take care of her but I can no longer work because she does require someone to be with her because she will forget to shut doors or try to cook and leave burners on, things like that. I am the only person able to provide her constant care and I need some form of income.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Another possibility depends on her finances. She may already qualify for Medicaid which would pay for her care and thus, you could work, build for your own retirement and continue you health insurance.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

ErinnRenee785, kudos to you for taking care of your mom. Your need to be paid is certainly understandable, not only for current income, but also to continue building your future Social Security benefit. The best chance you have for getting paid is by having your mom pay you from her own income and assets.  Having her pay you is a legitimate Medicaid eligibility spend-down method, which could become important when her dementia progresses to the point that you are no longer able to provide the constant level of care she needs. These payments should be made via a personal care agreement (PCA) implemented prior to applying for Medicaid assistance. The reasons for this are explained, and a PCA template is provided, in Aging Care's website at: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/personal-care-agreements-compensate-family-caregivers-181562.htm

If your mom or her husband served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces during wartime, then she may be eligible for a Veterans pension, which can be as high as $1,830 for a single veteran meeting Aid and Attendance requirements. The VA pension can be used to pay at least some in-home caregiver costs, but should be paid via a PCA that is implemented before applying for the VA pension. Best wishes.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter