My mom has moderate dementia, I have been caring for her for 3 years now. I can not afford more than 2 days a week for 4 hours. She gets just over the amount to get any extra help. Its all so frustrating dealing with medicare, social security, and all. They encourage keeping people in there homes or with you but don't really have any help for those that are just getting by. I cant afford to stay home and care for her much longer, and do not want her in a NH. I know at some point It will most likely come to that. But for now she still does ok and I really want to keep her with me. If we could all get just a little help it would make things much easier it seems. I have safe guarded the house, alarms on doors/windows, locks on cabinets. Now if I could only afford to have some one watch over her so I can go back to work. Sorry all I really needed to vent today, its all so frustrating.
I also needed help. What I did was checked out a local Assisted Living Facility they do provide daycare for a very reasonable price they charge by the hour and feed her meals too...( a lot less than hiring a agency caregiver) And so I have had Mom there 2-3 times a week for about two months. Best thing I ever did for both of us. Mom is getting socialization with her peers and I am getting some R & R myself. I really feel that Mom is getting so comfortable there that when and if the time comes she will make a smooth transition to living there . Sometimes we have to be pro-active in helping ourselves and our loved one. And patience, time and planning are also helpful. And good listeners like all these great caregivers on this website.God Bless you all!!!!!
The church sometimes is a great community resource.