I am unable to hold down a job, because they are my job. I have no medical or retirement for myself and I am really scared. Does anyone have any ideas?

I can relate. I am the only caregiver for both my husband (with cancer & amputee) and Mother who has dimentia. I tried Medicade, that failed, I went to the county in which we live through Elders Source. I just got approved (after background check) to get some respite care and home servies so that I can get out to shop alone without having to take them both along. I would check into any community resource. I do not have Health Insurance, and have not been able to hold a job for the last 20 months due to our situation. My heart goes out to you. Now that I know at least some respit care will be there, I plan to start back to College part time. As cruel as it may sound, I have to tell myself that this is a situation that will not last forever and I need to think about what I need to do for myself. I still have 20 years until I would eb able to collect Social Security. but by then, that may be gone too. think about you as well! Good Luck and God Bless you.

I don't know who "they" are, but if you are in a position where you can be appointed as their Legal Guardian, the Court will assign you a certain amt.as a fee for services. You should speak with someone from the alzheimers foundation,who can direct you to financial and legal seminars regarding such matters.You can also call social services about getting aid,food stamps and medicaid for yourself.Good luck and God Bless.D.

One idea - if it is possible due to financial situation - is to have the people you care for pay enough of a wage so that you can pay into social security so that over the years you will have enough years worked in order to collect. I think the minimum each year is around 600 dollars into SS (Not sure of this! An accountant would be able to tell you)