Because I live the closest to my parents, my brothers have chosen me to be the caregiver to our aging parents. My father is 86, my mother 82. Both on hospice, so they have a nurse come once a week. If I do choose to do this I will have to pretty much give up my life. Is there any monetary compensation from the state for doing this? I know in California there is but I think I live in a state where they don't. And why isnt it every state?
You can check to see if your parents could qualify for Medicaid [which is different from Medicare]. Medicaid is State run, and each State has their own rules and programs. Please note Medicaid is funded by the taxpayers. Medicaid is usually used for those who live at poverty level.
Why doesn't every State offer a plan to every family caregiver? The States just cannot afford it. I don't know how California is doing this, it probably is going bankrupted or has taken away other needed programs to help fund a payment. If your State can pay you, please note the pay will be very minimal with limited hours.
On hospice your parents are already getting some of the same benefits they would on Medicaid. They probably have no med co-pays or cost for incontinence supplies, right? But I don't believe caregiver pay is available from the hospice program. But ask!
If you do not do this, what is the alternative? Who will? How will it be paid for? Could your parents pay you? Could your parents plus your siblings pay you?
And -- do you really want to be the caregiver?
Definitely do what you feel called to do for your parents but unless your parents can provide payment now to provide you with an income or your state has some sort of program that works out for you, it is probably best to keep your current job, or get a job now if you don't have one. Your parents aren't that old and even on hospice you could be looking at years of unpaid caregiving. And then what?
Best wishes to you!
The mother won't allow anyone into the home to help (sound familiar?).
So don't think your story will be any different. My friend is at least able to work. When you commit to being the FT caregiver, you lose your freedom and often your physical/mental health. DON'T DO IT.