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Shellmanstorm Asked June 2015

I have heard there is funding for family caregivers?

I am sole caregiver of my Mother and sister, both disabled. My mother and sister are both unable to care for themselves in everyday life. Neither can walk, both are in diapers and wheelchairs. I quit my job to take care of them. I did this as I am a firm believer family takes care of family and I love both of them so very much, they were both in nursing homes at one time but not being cared for the way a family member would care for them. I have heard from several people that Ga. has a grant or some type of funding that gives the family member/caregiver a small payment for to help them financially. Could someone please tell me who it is I would contact to apply for this grant/funding?

GardenArtist Jun 2015
You might also check with the GA state departments to see if there are any supplemental food programs for elders. Michigan has an Elder Law agency which not only provides that kind of information but acts as a sort of clearinghouse to provide links to other options for seniors. It's time consuming to cyberwade through all the links, but sometimes something helpful turns up.

There's also Focus Hope, and there used to be a few organizations which provided a monthly food package. It was Angel Food, Angel Ministries,or something like that.

Last time I did some searching on those issues I found a few other organizations like Forgotten Harvest that also helped with food.

Another source for help in a lot of varied areas is the annual Area Agency on Aging Caregiving Expo, generally held in October here in Michigan. There are dozens of vendors, almost all handing out informational leaflets and candy (watch the seniors go for the candy!).

In Michigan, the local counties usually have booths with information on what services they offer.

As to transportation, check with your local transit agency and ask about "dial-a-ride" or "small bus" services. Here they provided door to door service for people who need assistance, within a 10 mile radius from home. Fee is a whopping $1.00 one way - how can you beat that?!

If you need wheelchair equipped transportation, mention that to ensure that any vehicle has a wheelchair lift.

Large (linehaul) buses here also have wheelchair lifts, but you wouldn't want to go that route.

freqflyer Jun 2015
Shellmanstorm, if there is such a funding in your area, please let us know.

Rarely are family members paid for caregiving unless the parent or sibling pays from their own pocket, and if they do you would need to set up an employment contract, and pay estimated quarterly taxes to the IRS.

You can check here by clicking https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging and go to your State, then to your city/county to see what programs are available such as guidance, having an Aide come couple hours a week to give you a break, Meals-on-wheels, etc.

Check to see if your State has a "Cash and Counseling" program, see what that is about. Each State has different programs, rules, and regulations such as you can't live in the same house as the person you are caring.

Curious, who was paying for the nursing home for your Mom and your sister? Was it Medicaid?

This is a perfect example why one needs to check out all these things before quitting their job. Hope everything works out for you.

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Shellmanstorm Jun 2015
Thank you so much, GardenArtist! You were very helpful at least I have a starting place now. Thanks so much! :-)

Shellmanstorm Jun 2015
Thank you, Sunnygirl1, I will explore all options, I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as this is really rather new to me. I have had my sister a month and my Mother 3 weeks. At this time we are in the process of transferring their small disability checks which will help with diapers, wipes, etc... my savings will probably carry us through for 6 months. I do need some kind of assistance (which I have never had the experience of applying for and don't know the starting point) with them so I can run to the store or take one to the dr. etc.........Thanks for your suggestions

GardenArtist Jun 2015
I don't know anything about what might be available in GA, but I would start by contacting your GA legislators, your local Area Agency on Aging, your local senior center, any aging department in your particular county, and possibly even United Way helpline (dial 211).

Are they getting disability payments?

How did you "hear" about the funding? Did that person have any more information?

Sunnygirl1 Jun 2015
Do they receive checks for disability or social security? Who is their Representative Payee?

Who was paying for their care when they were in the nursing homes?

I don't know much about your issue, but I do see this question a lot on this site. I would scroll around and see all of the answers that have been posted on it. I believe that resources are limited, but since I have not encountered this situation, I am not the one to give you advice. Maybe someone who has experience with it will respond.

It sounds like you have your hands full. It's nice that you want the best care for your family members. I would explore all avenues to determine if resources are available, since you are likely to need some backup.

Shellmanstorm Jun 2015
I have used my savings for the financial end and physically I am with them 24/7 If I go to the store I have someone sit with them and hurry back. I get up with them at 7am and lights out at 10pm. We are getting into a routine now and they are starting to sleep through the night. at first it was tough as they were calling me every hour but we have worked through the "stay up all night, sleep all day thing" I love caring for them. I was in management for over 30 years working 70 plus hours weekly...I needed to slow down as it was taking a toll on me, so I modified my home and brought my Mom and Sister home.

MaggieMarshall Jun 2015
How are you able to take care of two people who are in wheelchairs and diapers?

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