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I am caregiver to my 56 year old mom who as of a month ago, was officially diagnosed w/ early stage dementia/suspected Alzheimers disease. Mom hasn't been able to keep a job in years so did not qualify for disability, but did get SSI as of last month. She also recieves Link (food stamps) and has medicaid. I would now like to get her into some type of independent housing as she's been living with us for nearly a year and it's really taking a serious toll on my husband and I's relationship. We have two young children with another on the way and are in a tiny house with hardly any room for us, let alone her. My husband and her also don't get along whatsoever which puts serious strain on me daily. So, with mom in early stages and still able to manage herself (for now), I'm trying to find affordable independant housing options for her. I'm really scared though becuase $700/month won't cover even a studio apartment anywhere near where we live (we're in the suburbs of Chicago). I really wish SSI would account for higher cost of living areas :-( And... it seems the waiting lists for subsidised housing are years out. Is anyone aware of anything else I can be looking into? Really need help in finding a solution!

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That is a tough one. A friend of mine has a sister in her 50's that is actually in a nursing home. A brain tumor was removed and her behaviors changed drastically. I wonder if there may be a group home type option for her?

Call your local Area Agency on Aging. They usually have offices in the Council of Governments. Also call the Alzheimer's Association for ideas. There are resources that you should use that know answers to your question.
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Glad, thanks for responding. It is a really tough situation because due to mom's age, there really doesn't seem to be many options. I did reach out to Alz Assoc a while back who sent me to quite a few places to call, but nothing that resolved this- 95% of the places on the list only offered independent living to 62+, and three of the places were for 18-64, but will not take mom as she has Alz (they don't want the liability risk of someone like her). And, with mom still being operable and in early stages, putting her into a nursing home would just kill her- it's not time for that. She can still drive (locally), cook, take care of herself, etc. I know it's likely I have no options. But, I just pray there's someone out there who's been through this and might have found some loophole or solution. And, so far none of the obvious organizations have any resources to point me to :-(
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Maybe a care home, and she could possibly work there? Is there a day program I your area? Would that help with your relationship?
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Have your checked with social services in your area? How about the possibility of a roommate in either a home situation or apartment? This might not be a long term solution as your Mom's situation changes but maybe for a year or so. It would give you time to find more permanent arrangements for her.

You might also check with local churches to see if their denomination has group homes in your area. Once you start calling these different groups you might find more options out there. Best of luck!
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Call United Way helpline: 211.
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You say she's been with you 'at least a year'. How did she support herself before she moved in with you?
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Try looking for places that advertise continuum of care. Try calling "A Place for Mom" to see if they have any suggestions. In my area there are many places that start with independent living then move to other levels of care as the dementia progresses.
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