What do you do when your parents need more care than you can provide but have no financial resources to pay for it?

Have them apply for Medicaid to assist them in their long term care whether it be in a nursing home or at home.

That is the only option I can see.

Good Luck!

You apply to Medicaid for them. That's what it is for. Visit your local Agency for Aging and see what resources are available for your parents and to give you a break. It sounds like it is time for them to go into a facility.

By all means don't carry this by yourself. It's way too much for one person. Wishing you well as you find help.

The financial means becomes Medicaid. That’s exactly who and when it was designed for. My mother required nursing home care, and it soon became necessary for Medicaid to kick in. Her care never changed. She remained in the same place, same room, same caregivers, same everything no matter how her care was paid for. Please don’t let your parent’s expectations rule here, your own health matters too.

Your town may not have resources, but the state does.
preach out to churches, aging council, elders programs. There is help out there, you will have to dig deep to find it.

Talk to their doctor. He or she can direct you to social services to help with other care options. Please be truthful with your parents that you are getting tired and need extra help. The tiredness is burnout. Getting them help from others (other family members, friends, members of faith community and/or paid help) will help them - and you - to have better quality of life.

There is a group, called Palliative Care. They are similar to Hospice, but not. They are very cheap, if anything. As long as you have been a working American citizen and paid taxes, you are privy to them. I would look on line, or at your local hospital.

You might have to start with Social Services. But I know there is help

check for any social services that might be available.
are either of them veterans?
do they belong to a church or other social club that might offer help?
Do they have LTC insurance or a life insurance policy with a cash out benefit?

Medicaid

Good Morning,

Half the country is in this situation. It's quite common. Just a few things that came to mind...
*sell their house
*move both of them closer to you
*check out respite services for the person the parent that is better health
*have parents' primary care doctor do an assessment and write a script for homecare--VNA--nurses, occupational therapy, physical therapy, home blood draw, meals on wheels (some are better than other), mail-order prescription, have everything delivered.
*sounds like one may be eligible for a nursing home
*when you move your parents "register" them both in a Church and have the Parishioners come each week to bring them Communion, a bulletin and a prayer.
My mother loves this--9 people rotate and each week they come for 15 minutes on a Sunday and visit. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, they are even coming on Christmas Day! Mom gave them a poinsettia yesterday. There are a lot of wonderful people out there. It gives them ties to the neighborhood too.

You have to go where the services are. Lord forbid if something happens to one and you are not there and mother is unable to dial out. Will they wander. The fact that you are on this site you're wondering this yourself. "What if...one leaves the stove or or goes out without a winter coat in this "rural" town.

Don't get discouraged. Not everyone (myself included) is able follow the advice of Suze Orman. If my parents would have listened to her, I would not have been born since my parents had 5 pregnancies in 10 years. Point being, don't feel that because there is not a lot cash stashed away, you are out of luck, you are NOT.

Really know what is available through your parents medical insurance--durable medical equipment, OTC benefits (over the counter drugstore things) now dental is being offered on some plans for 2023.

As far as the house--would it feasible to rent it out for top dollar to someone who won't trash it or should you sell. Speak to an elder lawyer and the Nurse Manager at the primary care doc usually has a lot of resources--agencies.

Join the portal--this is the best thing. You can email the docs rather than waiting by the phone. The portal is great, you have up-to-date info and know the results as soon as possible for bloodwork.

Keep the blood draws to a minimum and make sure they don't torture your parents with multiple blood draws, Tues., Wed. and Thurs. Keep a list of any meds for each parent on the refrigerator and one in your wallet. Also include on list emergency contact. This needs to be done until you get them placed.

You didn't mention which State your were in?

Also in every neighborhood you get these wonderful people who sometimes have a nutty grandson. Word gets out if elderly people are alone. It's not like years when the neighbors knocked on the door and handed a plate of food in.

They need protection too. You are on the right track on this site. But a plan needs to be in place that works for your particular situation.

You are in my prayers...

Find an elder lawyer for assistance. The lawyer can help them apply for Medicaid. The home will need to be sold. Find a Medicaid accepting facility near you so that you don't have to drive long distances to see them.

Prayers.

Ma’am I would call Hospice in the nearest large town and see if they can offer remote services. They may be able to provide advice on this situation. Hugs and prayers your way.

If they are willing to go to facility for care, apply for Medicaid.

For short term, check with local churches for volunteers to help. Any other family members that can help? Can you yourself afford to hire a caregiver in your place for a bit of help? Other family nembers that can pitch in $? This would all be until you can get medicaid to kick in. If you do sell their house, have them move closer to you, for sure. In assisted living or adult family home, etc. So you can visit daily. Where will she go for her breast cancer treatments? If closer to you, that will be a good reason to convince them to move near you. Start with an apartment if nothing else. Or extended stay hotel. Are there senior services near you tgat can help? Churches?

Please look into Home Care! There are programs in every state that give assistance. We have a program here called IRIS. They are wonderful. They not only help with in home care, but also any accommodations they may need to help them in their home as well as provide outside activities. Your parents can choose who they want as caregivers ...that includes family and you can be paid for your time as well. That also gives you the option to use that money for their needs if you so choose.

Please avoid putting forcing them into any facility. Most of the time the neglect and abuse goes unnoticed until it is too late. They will be better and happier if they can remain in their own home.

Another resource is United Way’s 2-1-1 program. Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211.org. They acted anonymously when my MIL called to get help for a neighbor.

Brokenalone: Your parents will have to submit a Medicaid application. Medicaid is FOR elders with no financials to support their elder health requirements as it pertains to managed care/nursing homes.