Follow
Share
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
I agree with Mimi529. Find a social worker at a local hospital or a non-profit social services agency or ask at you local Area Agency on Aging. The will be able to guide you. Bless your heart for caring enough to help out someone who has no one.
Carol
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

If you are a good friend of this person who has no family and feel you want to take on the caregiving responsibility, ask your friend (the one with no family) what they would want. Maybe they want you to help them, but are shy about asking and putting you on the spot. As a nurse and social worker, I have already encountered my own contact with people who want to "manage" others for money, and I never called them back, but there are not-for-profit agencies you might turn to in your area who could help if you are unable. Thank you again for asking the question, because there are millions who have no family members. This forum is like a "family" where I hope you can feel safe and ask any question. Best wishes!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

If your bonded as friends you are there family as blood dose not make family but I would say talk to as worker with or for them weather you care for them your self or find good place for them you are helping them and if it where you you should be happy some one cared while you need help god bless you
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Exactly the situation for a geriatric care manager (a.k.a. aging life care professional). See aginglifecare website.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Thanks for all the answers given, Adult Protective Services, Local Care Agency on Aging, Social Worker at local hospital. My friend is 94 but mind is still sharpe but is in a assisted living home. No family members close by to help him
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Find a social worker at your local hospital and he/she will steer you in the right direction for resources.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I agree with Lauren - hiring a Care Manager would be a very wise idea. They are neutral advocates who support, educate and advocate for seniors. Perfect fit for a senior who has no family.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hi Barry5: You aren't providing many details, but I assume this is an older person who is having difficulty caring for himself/herself.

I would definitely call the local Area Agency on Aging, you can find contact info via the directory at eldercare.gov. Non-profits that help seniors are another good option.

If the older person can still make decisions, you'll be looking for people to help with whatever care needs are there, and you should also encourage the person to plan for the future. (Care managers are wonderful but they can't make medical or legal decisions on behalf of the older person; that's for fiduciaries, guardians, or durable powers of attorney.)

If the person is developing memory or thinking problems, then everything becomes much trickier, because many services -- or spending the older person's money for that matter -- requires the permission of a legally approved decision-maker. You can refer to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect, or if you have any concerns that the person is being taken advantage of. They do sometimes start court cases to arrange for a guardian or conservator.

Good luck. One of my neighbors recently told me that there is a 92 year old lady in our neighborhood who has no family and is struggling. She's cognitively ok though, so my neighbor is trying to help her do her financial and legal and medical planning before it's too late.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Barry5, Thank you for thinking of this person. In 5 years it could be me. I try not to think of it. I hope someone wants to look after me when I am old.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I think this person is just asking how she can help. This may sound hard harded but I would not take any responsibility on for this person. A lawyer can be put in charge of her POA. He can figure out her assets and what she can afford. First, contact ur office of the aging. See what they offer in services. Check with ur Social Services. Point her inthe right direction and even go with her. You can give her a hand up but don't get too involved. Sometimes people become too dependant and you don't want that. Does she have a Church? If so, check with her minister to see if there is a woman's group who will make visitations, maybe even set up dinners. We have local caterer that takes the leftovers from a dinner he catered and makesup dinners for shutins. We started helping a friends mother with rides to her doctor appointments. Then friends husband went back to work (with health bills couldn't make it on retirement) and my husband started taking her to appts. Then her daughter needed rides. The other daughter came back home and friend wanted DH to take her to appts. Here I put my foot down. Too much drama with this daughter and she had friends who could help her. It was getting to the point my week off was carting people. If it had been just for the mother no problem but it ballooned. It was appreciated and we were given giftcards to help pay for gas. (friend was disabled so couldn't drive) We found ourselves driving both mother and daughter to the same places on the same day at different times or a day or two apart. I asked if they couldn't keep up on each others appts so they could get them around the same time. Oh, we also had the father. When my DH was willing to give up a golf date, I said no. They plan around us not us around them. If it had just been the mother and father it would have een OK. My friend took advantage. So no problem with helping but make sure u can say no.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter