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I have been looking after my mom for the past seven years. I have durable POA. She suffered an injury two months ago and was diagnosed with dementia and TBI. As we had discussed in the past, I moved in with her and put my house up for sale.
My mom is in a much better financial situation than me. I am still paying electricity, homeowners insurance, lawn care, etc., at my own house while living in hers. I had to pay others a significant amount of money to finish some projects I had already started but couldn't finish so that it could be put on the market.
In the beginning, Mom could not do much for herself. I bathed and dressed her. I took care of her animals. I did the dishes, cooked all the meals, laundry, cleaning. As she improved, I encouraged her to do things for herself but she still has little use of one arm. I employed a contractor on her behalf to finish installation of a bathroom and am taking care of an insurance claim when an AC unit leaked causing $12,000 damage.
That is the backdrop of the situation. I am not a paid caregiver. Should I have to pay rent and/or split utilities, food, etc? Should I be a paid caregiver?

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You don't pay Moms bills. You don't pay rent. You are doing her a big favor and should not be out of pocket. Getting paid, you can't do that unless stipulated in your POA. But you can hire someone on Moms dime.

During the time I cared for my mother, the only time I used my money was when she was on Medicaid and I had her house for sale. I was reimbursed at time of sale. Otherwise, her money was used. If she had run out, of course I would have paid for what she couldn't. But as long as she had it, I used it.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Yes you should be paid as a caregiver.
Mom's funds should also be paying for another caregiver so that you are not working 24/ 7.
there should be a contract.
There should also be a pay that when you are paid taxes are taken care of, Medicare is taken care of just like any other job. (this also makes it so that there is work history when you go to collect Social Security)
Since mom can not enter into a contract due to her cognition. And you need POA to take care of Financial matters and POA for Health matters you need to see an attorney preferably an Elder Care Attorney.

also check with your local Senior Service Center and or Area Agency on Aging to see if mom qualifies for any services.
If mom or dad was in the Military Service you can check with the VA to see if she would qualify for any benefits through the VA. You can check with either the VA or your local Veterans Assistance Commission. (their services are free)
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Reply to Grandma1954
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Go see an eldercare attorney .
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Reply to waytomisery
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