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I am trying to make more sense of my dad's expenses the past seven months. It seems A LOT of money has been going to in - home companions who stay 2 or 3 hours, and charge at least $100 regardless. I spoke to one of these ladies (who actually has references, and has been reliable - several have not) over the weekend. She says she will stay for "up to 4 hours" at that price, but even if it is only half an hour, it is still $100 - because: a) she has to drive out here, and b) she passes up other work to do so. The reason I'm asking is that dad has been having companions in sometimes twice - or three times! - a week. That alone blows his budget to bits. I've already asked the neighbors if I could pay them, but they're elderly as well ( 60's-70's) and are afraid to be responsible for looking after dad. Senior services is a non-starter also, due to their policies. Any thoughts would be welcome. Everything I try, I run into a wall, it seems!

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I am getting off super cheap. I have one woman (79 years old) who comes in for 8 hours a day 4 days a week and another (mid 60's) who comes in one day a week for 8 hours.

I pay them each $10 per hour.

They were told that they were mainly a companion but would be dispensing her pills (already sorted) and making sure she had breakfast and lunch.

Of course, Mom is boring so they have taken up laundry sometimes light housework, toileting, bathing, taking Mom to doctor, grocery shopping and ordering supplied from Amazon - just to have something to do.

The 4 day a week has become family and we take her on our many Disney World vacations. For those, she gets paid $100 per day plus all food, drink and park tickets. She shares a room with Mom and is with her 24/7

I know, I am truly blessed.
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I am going to assume these ladies are called to come over and be with dad.. and I must say 300 a week is alot cheaper than the alternative! I get the 4 hour minimum, so just have them stay the whole 4 hours and you may feel better about it. What do they actually do? Just sit and visit, or some caregiving/housekeeping/cooking? Would they do that while they are there? If I go to work and then get to come home due to low needs, I still get paid a minimum as I had to show up, drive in, etc. They indeed do most likely pass up other work, and they have bills also. I really don't find this unreasonable, just have them stay the entire time. Do you have any contracts? What do they say? Maybe draw one up?
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Hi! My mother is unable to walk on her own these days and I pay $20 an hour with a minimum of 4 hours a day to bath her, feed her, help her to the bathroom, wash her clothes, do the dishes and even clean her room. The agency I have does anything I ask of them which is nice. It is costly at $1600 a month when my mom does not even get that through SS but I am able to help pay. Not sure where you live but in Georgia the average is $20 an hour. I also have the same lady every day! It really helps her!
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If your Dad doesn't have much money, then the State Medicaid might pay for the cost. My mother is applying for home care via Medicaid.
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Well Medicaid won't cover "companions" nor will the VA Aid and Attendance program. He would have a better time at Assisted Living, lots of company and not as much as you are spending now.
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Thank you, Pam. We've talked to dad about assisted living - his doctor pushed it very hard - but dad says he'd rather die than leave home. Since he is pretty much still mentally sharp, I won't force the issue unless I have to. I just can't do it.
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Erwin, on your original question, what is a fair rate, I'd say it depends upon your \Dad's location. In my area, I was paying $15-20/hour for a companion back in 2011. Make a list of what you expect the companion to actually do. Visit? Take him out for a walk? make a cup of tea? Play cards, etc. Laundry? Assisting with Bathroom visits? If you are truly looking for a simple companion, I can't imagine that someone in their 60-70s couldn't do that! What timesof day is the ocmpanion needed. Think outside the box. A stay at home Mom could visit while the children are in school. (And might be thrilled to earn a few dollars as we go into the holiday season). A friend of mine is a retired nurse. She does strictly companion work for some elders. She loves doing it and the families are thrilled that she would be able to make a good call in an emergency situation.
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Erwin, if your Dad is hiring someone to stay with him during the day, make sure your Dad has added to his homeowner's insurance a "workman's comp" rider just in case someone get hurt while at his house. Regular homeowner insurance won't cover "employees".

I had used an Agency for my Dad and I was charged around $30/hour, but they were making him all his meals, doing light housework, laundry, taking Dad for walks, to doctor appointments, etc. Since they were from a licensed Agency, the Agency was already covering their employees with workman's comp.
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You can hire much more reasonably--with background checks. Or find a local AGENCY--which usually runs on a per,hour basis for around $20 per hour. You are being ripped off.
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With the flu season coming, make sure any caregivers or companions have had their flu shots, and have been tested for TB. These two items are very important when one is dealing with helpers caring for the elderly.
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