In answer to your question: Yes, there are jobs. My neighbor qualifies for help through the county mental health, and walks the neighborhood with her paid companion. She never introduces her, everyone asks who she is...a friend? No answer, as if she is ashamed or would be required to explain. The neighbor acts as if this real person companion is not there, and walks away, leaving her standing while she talks to a neighbor, 15 feet away. Uncomfortable, yes. But a companion, much needed by the neighbor. Paid for by County mental health services.
I am a paid visitor; my clients pay me a good fee for 2 hours, once or twice a week, of companionship, letter writing, helping with things they can't see, going out to eat or to sit near the river, etc.... I had one with pretty advanced Alz twice weekly for 2 years, and one now once a week, twice when her daughter is away, for over 2 years. We became friends, I'm friendly with the family, and it works out well for all of us. The families are happy to pay me because, unlike many volunteer visitors, I show up every week.
Pams answer reminded me. My aunt had a caregiver who stayed on after aunt died and married my uncle. My friends aunt had a caretaker who came two or three times a week to visit her aunt. She would take the aunt to get her hair done, out to eat, shopping. They would watch tv together or play games. When my friends aunt went to the NH, the caretaker would visit her in the NH. She would go with aunt to activities. Help her make wardrobe choices. She was a great asset to the family. She was in her 80s herself. Dressed really nice, had an upbeat attitude and was great entertainment for the aunt.
I assume you mean for a family member? When my mom and dad moved in here, mom was in rehab, and dad had ALZ. We hired a "caregiver" who's only job was to hang out with dad, and make sure he was safe and fed while hubs and I were at work. She took him to visit mom, or out to eat..but mainly "hung out " with him. She stayed on with us after mom came home, and was a great buddy to both of them. And us!
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My neighbor qualifies for help through the county mental health, and walks the neighborhood with her paid companion.
She never introduces her, everyone asks who she is...a friend? No answer, as if she is ashamed or would be required to explain. The neighbor acts as if this real person companion is not there, and walks away, leaving her standing while she talks to a neighbor, 15 feet away. Uncomfortable, yes. But a companion, much needed by the neighbor. Paid for by County mental health services.
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My friends aunt had a caretaker who came two or three times a week to visit her aunt. She would take the aunt to get her hair done, out to eat, shopping. They would watch tv together or play games. When my friends aunt went to the NH, the caretaker would visit her in the NH. She would go with aunt to activities. Help her make wardrobe choices. She was a great asset to the family. She was in her 80s herself. Dressed really nice, had an upbeat attitude and was great entertainment for the aunt.