Volunteer or low cost companion for mom?

Maybe one day there will be robots to be our companions, ensure we don't put the electric kettle on the gas hob, ensure we don't flee our home at 2am looking for 'home'.

I would start researching. Speak to your local council & ask about aging services. Call a Dementia or Alzheimer's Society. Speak to Mom's local Doctor. What is out there to help families in your area with this problem.

We are an aging society & (sadly) you can't be the only one going through this. Also, it is not good for you to be taking on this burden alone.

A village of helpers becomes necessary.

Check with your local charities. Where I live, you can get friendly visits, calls and a sitter for up to 4 hours for free, from volunteers through ICS (interfaith community services).

Best of luck getting this sorted out, dementia just stinks.

Adult day care

First, companionship is actually a job, just like cutting a tree or being a waitress or working in an al. And with jobs, you gotta pay.

Mom doesn’t need a companion. She needs assisted living. You need to start planning ahead now.

Her dementia WILL worsen. You say she is living independently but if you are having to do for her to where you need respite… then she is not independent. She may think she is, but this is an illusion you are propping up.

Maybe some people here know about volunteer or low cost help, but it’s unlikely you will find it. Why would someone be a companion for little pay when they can be a companion for much more? I know someone who would have had to pay $16,000 A MONTH for her mother to have daytime companions. And her mother was wealthy and insured! I’d be leery of volunteers too. Would you feel okay knowing a stranger had access to your mother and her home? Very few people would take this on voluntarily. And would your mother be glad to have them, or fuss and kick them out?

Churches may have volunteers if she is part of a faith community. If she is eligible for Medicaid there may be some help but the state government will seek to recover from her estate.

Most Senior Services have volunteers that will come out for a few hours per week, but I'm not sure that would be enough. Also if you by chance have a Shepherds Center in your city, they too have volunteers that will come out each week.
You can also check with your Area Agency on Aging and see if they have any options for you.

I would also suggest that you start now in exploring plan B for when your mom can no longer live by herself, as that time will come sooner than later. And of course if money is an issue, she'll have to apply for Medicaid.
Best wishes in getting things figured out for your mom.

I really have no suggestions. Today there are few volunteers and today folks have to make a living wage. There are jobs out there and they will move to the ones with better pay. There may not be an easy answer to this one. I hope others have better ideas for you and wish you good luck.