I am an only child trying my best to care for my mother. I have to work so. Therefore, I need someone to sit with my mother daily while I work. My mother has current bills, so paying for a caregiver or sitter is unrealistic for us right now because we can't afford it. She has applied for Medicaid and she only has two quarters into medicare
How long was your mom married to someone that paid into Medicare?
If you have not paid into Medicare there should be an option through the Pension that she can pay for Medicare.
I would look into this a bit more with her Pension Board.
What care does mom need?
There are ways to find help depending what is needed.
Area Agency on Aging might have some help.
Local Senior Center might have some help, most have Social Workers on staff.
If mom is a Veteran there may be some help through the VA.
We don't have a clearer idea of what exactly your Mom needs. Is she unsafe staying alone, will she wonder? Is she lonely, does she need meal preparation?
My mother has Lewy Body Dementia--one morning per week Mom attends a day respite program for (4) hours. There is a fee on a sliding scale and through her health insurance Mom has Physical & Speech Therapy at the facility. I drive mother to and from, although some facilities provide transportation.
A continental breakfast is provided and a hot lunch. There are activities. In all honestly some people are totally out of it. The people that work there are wonderful and work so hard and are dedicated. The place is clean, lovely and has a small attendant-to-resident ratio 5:1. We are just average people, our $$$ doesn't grow on trees. They grow tomato plants, make things, exercise. There is an RN on duty. This is called a "medical" model--they take blood pressures.
Usually Mom's primary care doc will do an assessment and the Nurse Manager or social worker can recommend places. Many people are in your shoes. When I drive up to drop Mom off there is a line of cars with daughter/son/spouse heading out to work but Mom needs supervision. You need piece of mind.
I hope this helps. If you tell us more--be more specific, people here on the forum are only too happy to share their resources. You are not alone in this...there are answers!
You have nothing on your profile concerning Mom. Is she suffering from a Dementia? What kind of care does she need? Do u live with her or her with you? Her age?
Why do u feel she does not qualify for Medicaid? Does she have assets other than her pension? Does not the State she taught in provide Medical insurance to retired teachers?
Also contact your local area's Agency on Aging for other resources.
How do you know she doesn't qualify for Medicaid? I would consult with a Medicaid Planner for your state to find out what needs to happen in order to get her to eventually qualify.
Why do you think she doesn't qualify for Medicaid?
So, the OP's Mom may be in similar circumstances.
Take Chanceylsu at her word, because she is correct.