Age old story, my parents worked hard all their life. They have a small amount of money in the bank and no debt. Now in their twilight years and this is working against them as far as getting help to care for my mom, who has Alzheimer’s. Does anyone have experience with this? Our Agency on Aging has income guidelines and they are likely over it. My SIL told me to try Medicare.
Is Medicare an option to get assistance for someone who is self-pay? How does that work? My father's health is not good and he needs someone in the home more often, in case of falls, etc. He has always only wanted family members in the house but now he realizes that is too limiting. I have the green light but now I can’t find anyone! Since he is self-pay, he does not want to go through an agency. And yes, I am over there 7 out of 7 days, sometimes multiple times a day. I work full time and can’t keep all my plates spinning anymore. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated! Please don’t think that I’m whining, I’m really not.
Medicare only covers hospitalization,doctors, and any type of physical therapy. As you found out, your parent wouldn't qualify for Medicaid [which is different from Medicare].
For myself, I found I was enabling my parents to remain in their home instead of them downsizing into something more senior friendly. I was running back and forth, and like you also had a full time job. The stress was overwhelming. I should have set boundaries for my own sanity, but I wanted to help, that is our nature.
Sadly many of us need to wait until our elderly parent needs serious medical help, then and only then can we get them into senior living. That is what happened with my own Mom. She went from home to the ER, hospital stay, rehab, then long-term-care. My Dad, he was ready to book from their house as it was too much maintenance for him being in his 90's, and he was always falling. He moved to senior living and enjoyed being there.
So, stand in front of a mirror and say "I can't possibly do that" over and over until you are comfortable saying it. So when your parents ask for something that isn't urgent, just say that. I had to do that when my parents decided going to their post office box at the post office twice a day was a good idea.... NOT !!