I moved into my mothers home a few years ago due to losing my job, since then i have became her care giver, my mother is 76 and has had a few strokes and recently been diagnosed with vascular dementia.i say i am her caregiver because i am her voice, memory, maid , driver, i do all the things that she can no longer do for herself. Except pay her bills my brother which is her POA does that. MY mother who still has a active roll in her finances sees me has some one who should take care of her for free. MY mother can afford to pay an outside care giver or pay for to be in an assisted living facility but refuses to do so. my question is how do i get help on finances. i have no medical insurances on my self i am 50 yrs old, single and concerned with my own health issues. I can not even buy myself a cheese burger from mcdonalds. I recieve no monies from her or my brother for the care i give. I am her daughter and this is my job. I find myself slipping away.
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It is time, as JessieBelle points out, to get back on your feet and become self-supporting. Get a job. Inform your mother and your brother that you are no longer available 24/7. If Mother needs care while you are gone (and with vascular dementia I don't suppose she can be left alone all day) then brother will have to pay for a caregiver. You could offer to help hire one, if he would like that help. Or you're fine with him doing it himself if he prefers. Be very matter-of-fact about this. No anger. No accusations. You are just doing what you need to do.
If you are willing to care for Mom the other hours of the week in exchange for room and board, great. They are getting a bargain. If you are not willing or they are not willing for that arrangement, then move out as soon as you can, even if that is to a bed at the Y until you are financially a little more secure.
I would say this whether you were the favorite child or a barely tolerated step-child. Fair is fair. A parent who can afford to pay for her own care should do so. Every adult should look after their own current interests and their long-terms needs.
Don't keep slipping away. Take charge of your life!