I can't afford a weekly caregiver or sitter because Mom is a retired teacher that didn't pay into Medicare and doesn't qualify for Medicaid. What are my options, and where should I seek help?

This post is from March 2022. The OP asked one question and never returned. This post should probably be closed. Will report.

I did not pay into Medicare either, or at least enough to have it myself (I have 4 quarters) BUT I was married for at least 10 years to someone that did SO I now have Medicare. BUT I also pay for it myself.
How long was your mom married to someone that paid into Medicare?
If you have not paid into Medicare there should be an option through the Pension that she can pay for Medicare.
I would look into this a bit more with her Pension Board.

What care does mom need?
There are ways to find help depending what is needed.
Area Agency on Aging might have some help.
Local Senior Center might have some help, most have Social Workers on staff.
If mom is a Veteran there may be some help through the VA.

LTC Medicaid is different from community Medicaid. LTC Medicaid is nursing home Medicaid. Most people don't qualify for community Medicaid, but everyone CAN qualify for LTC Medicaid with proper planning. I was once in a similar situation. I nor my father could not afford in home caregivers or sitters, and I had to work, so my dad had to go to a nursing home covered by LTC Medicaid. Please see a Medicaid specialist in your state to help you.

Good Morning,

We don't have a clearer idea of what exactly your Mom needs. Is she unsafe staying alone, will she wonder? Is she lonely, does she need meal preparation?

My mother has Lewy Body Dementia--one morning per week Mom attends a day respite program for (4) hours. There is a fee on a sliding scale and through her health insurance Mom has Physical & Speech Therapy at the facility. I drive mother to and from, although some facilities provide transportation.

A continental breakfast is provided and a hot lunch. There are activities. In all honestly some people are totally out of it. The people that work there are wonderful and work so hard and are dedicated. The place is clean, lovely and has a small attendant-to-resident ratio 5:1. We are just average people, our $$$ doesn't grow on trees. They grow tomato plants, make things, exercise. There is an RN on duty. This is called a "medical" model--they take blood pressures.

Usually Mom's primary care doc will do an assessment and the Nurse Manager or social worker can recommend places. Many people are in your shoes. When I drive up to drop Mom off there is a line of cars with daughter/son/spouse heading out to work but Mom needs supervision. You need piece of mind.

I hope this helps. If you tell us more--be more specific, people here on the forum are only too happy to share their resources. You are not alone in this...there are answers!

Yes, some States a teacher does not pay into SS. All they get is a pension. Not so in my State.

You have nothing on your profile concerning Mom. Is she suffering from a Dementia? What kind of care does she need? Do u live with her or her with you? Her age?

Why do u feel she does not qualify for Medicaid? Does she have assets other than her pension? Does not the State she taught in provide Medical insurance to retired teachers?

I would research local churches who may have adult daycare programs that are affordable or on a sliding scale. You don't have to be a member of the church or that religion, in most cases.

Also contact your local area's Agency on Aging for other resources.

How do you know she doesn't qualify for Medicaid? I would consult with a Medicaid Planner for your state to find out what needs to happen in order to get her to eventually qualify.

If all she needs is companionship, a volunteer group like rsvp might be able to assist.

Teachers in some states have a separate retirement system so don't pay into social security, but do pay into Medicare. If not Medicare, what kind of health insurance does your mother have? In any case, it's a moot point because Medicare would not pay for the kind of service you need for your mother. Medicaid is income-based, and I'm assuming your Mom's income is too high for her to qaulify for community Medicaid. Are there any adult day programs where you live? that might be a good option. How much care does your mother need? Just someone to do basics (e.g., meals, help with dressing, medication reminders) and to make sure she's safe? Or more extensive care?

If she didn't pay into Medicare, then she paid into an alternate retirement system, by law. She has a pension, yes? What happens to that money?

Why do you think she doesn't qualify for Medicaid?

First, a question. As far as I have always known, everyone with a paycheck has to pay into medicare. Are you positive she didn't (and what was the loophole to avoid it?)