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NewScreenName Asked March 2020

Urgent housing for senior, any suggestions?

My wife and I are in our 70s. We live in a western Boston suburb. She has had a stroke and can't be left alone. Our children are far away and cannot travel to us because of the corona virus, nor can we go to them at this point.


Is there some agency that I could call who would take care of my wife if I get the virus and cannot care for her or, worse, have to go to the hospital? At that point she would have been exposed and it would not be right to ask any of our neighbors to take her in. We are able to pay a reasonable rate for a few weeks. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

GardenArtist Mar 2020
Although not mentioned, I'd like to raise the issue of AL, IL, or a temp rehab facility.   In my experience, they're not even an option, unless there are people who have "connections". 

When I had to find a temporary place for my father after a windstorm knocked out power, and there was no way to power his oxygen concentrator, I called literally every possible source I could find, ranging from suggestions from first responders to Salvation Army to care facilities. to hospitals .   I don't think I tried hotels or motels though.

The IL AL or rehab acilities wouldn't accept anyone on a temp basis w/o a chest x-ray.    So much for that.   

Eventually, someone from our Senior Center made arrangements with an IL facility which didn't require a chest x-ray. 

Temporary care is really hard to find;  I wish there were better alternatives, and I'm not trying to be discouraging, but just warning you that some potential possibilities really aren't that possible at all.

Perhaps the best thing you can do now is to minimize your own exposure and risk.   Do you have protective gear to wear if you need to get groceries, or do you have a delivery service and are you familiar with how to handle delivered goods? 

This is a challenging situation, for so many people, and in so many circumstances.    I do hope you find some alternatives, and wish you not just good but outstanding luck!

newbiewife Mar 2020
I feel for you. My husband also cannot be left alone for any extended length of time. We do already have home health aides several mornings a week. However, their agency would not allow aides to come in if there is risk of exposure to Covid-19, and I suspect that may be the case for other agencies as well. We're fortunate in that we have 3 children and seeral adult grandchildren who live reasonably close by. I'd hate to have to ask them and have them and their families get exposed, but it might come to that. Two of them have young children.

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FloridaDD Mar 2020
I suspect it will be very difficult to get caregivers until the expanded unemployment is over.  People who already have them will be lucky if they keep them, I don't see anyone jumping for an aid job if they have to give up about 1K per week in expanded unemployment insurance.

Geaton777 Mar 2020
You can research in-home agencies. Our family uses Visiting Angels, which is a national franchise. We've used them for over 6 years and are very pleased. The cost of the caregiver goes up depending on the need: just a companion is the lowest hrly rate, about $22 p/hr. If your carer needs any more specialized training (like for falls, administering meds, IV, catheter, ect) then the price goes up accordingly. The best people are found and kept if you offer at least a min. of 30 hrs per week consistently. You will not get someone immediately as they will have an interview process so they know your needs and can find the right fit. Other options may be temporary respite care in a NH — if they have beds available. My least favorite option is privately hired caregivers. Too risky on many levels. I wish you peace in your heart during this challenging time in our lives!

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