Is there financial help available to care for aging parent? Having to stay home more and more and it’s hurting my job requirements.

Hi Linda, yes, depending on what state you live in you may be able to be compensated for taking care of your parent. Some of that will depend on how much your mom has in assets. If she has virtually no assets, you may be able to get paid by Medicaid. Many states also have other programs available that will help to compensate family caregivers even if there are some assets. You can also look into getting paid by your mom if she has the assets to do so. You should start by calling your local office on aging and ask about programs that will help to reimburse you for caring for your mom.

You can't sacrifice yourself if it is going to negatively impact your future, especially your job. What would happen if you get fired or couldn't earn enough to pay your own bills? Then you will be in a desperate situation. If Mom has the means, hire a home agency to help while you work. If she doesn't, start the process of getting state assistance (Medicaid).

The amount of money you would get from Medicaid will not be a decent full time wage. Don’t surrender your future to preserve hers. Get a full time job, then use the Medicaid financing to pay a caregiver for whatever amount of time you can get. Even if you pay a little each week...you will still be far better off when you own retirement comes.