What is the cost of both full time and part time care in Damascus, MD?

LindaSusan: I've already given the OP a starting point. Thanks for adding to it.

Did you Google this?

Maryland.org-starting point.

I completely agree with sscoale -- in home care is truly more compassionate, caring and personal than a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Don't put your loved one in a nursing home unless they have no money.

We live in MD and my mom is 90 and has Vascular Dementia. She lives in an single family home at Asbury. We found that it was much more economical and more caring to have individual caregivers come to the house. We have two very lovely women who take 5 day shifts so that mom has 24/7 care. They actually elected to put a twin bed in mom's bedroom so they can monitor her constantly and we have security cameras with monitors as an added backup in case mom tries to get up on her own. We started with a salary of $18/hr. I know that CNA caregivers are less expensive in Damascus and Frederick. It's really definitely worth having in home care which is truly more compassionate, caring and personal than a nursing home or skilled nursing facility!!

bev, you are right you can find great people.

I am not sure a bout your state but I am a disabled woman living in Florida with my elderly Mom. All the caregivers from the agency charge $18-22 per hour and barely speak English. I found several caregivers using the Internet....one woman who is a freelance CNA who does not only the nursing but also cleans the house for $10/hour. I almost hired her and then her regular customer suddenly needed live in care 24/7 so she turned down the job. I was then lucky enough to find a retired nurse who needs to make a little extra money. She was used to being paid $20/hour for her services. I explained that I am disabled and have no income at all because I have to wait 18 months for my SSDI hearing, which my lawyer assures me he will win, but it will take time. She offered to help me for $40 for a 10:30-2:30 shift. With an agency, you don't have to manage your employee. With the retired nurse I hired, I prepare a list of things to do while I am at my appointment....and I'm always home by 2:30 so Mom is never alone. Agencies are not the only option. If you are willing to do the work to find someone you can trust, you can negotiate a price you can afford, and this is true no matter what state you live in. Good luck.

Kaybee, thank you for that comment. We have to remember whether private or through agency there are good and bad in both. What I do know is with private you will pay less in almost all cases. Paul just to give you an idea here in Michigan private caregivers average between 12-18 per hour depending on the level of care. It may bit a bit different were you are. There are some great sites where you can hire a caregiver who has had background checks and bonded.

I absolutely adore my mother's caregiver. We have become very close. She is wonderful with my mom and truly loves her. There have been evenings when I get home early and she and I will sit and chat for hours. We both lost our sisters so there was commonality there from the start. We have a bond and I trust her completely. She is truly a blessing. There are still great caregivers out there who give it everything they have especially emotionally. As in every profession one rotten potato ruins it for the whole bag.

Private caregivers can be great, dont discount this option. I have worked as a private caregiver for years, pay my taxes and have formed some of the best family like relationships of my life. Its not for everyone but for many this option is wonderful for both parties.

Paula, I am not sure about MD as care is most likely more expensive as opposed to Florida. I have a caregiver (private) come in for 32hrs a week to stay with my mom when I am at work. It costs $500 a week. If I was to go to an agency it is apx $650. We were very luck to find her as she is wonderful. She is here to make sure mom doesn't fall and takes her to her appt's and shopping when I am unable. We do reimburse for mileage if she takes her places with her own vehicle. Private can be difficult as you have to be very careful whom you allow with your mom and in your home.

Paul, there is a resource book that covers Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Go to Google and type in "Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook", then click on the title "Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, Homecare in VA, MD, DC ". The Source Book is excellent.

Go up to the Search Site box and type in the city and state. Lots of information will pop up. Also review her health insurance to see what it would cover.