Last post Thu, Apr 10 2008 12:06 PM by LaurenA. 4 replies.
My sister is a blessing. She is 36 and has had to stop working to take care of myself and my parents. Its more than a full time job in itself. She helps me shower and does alot for my elderly parents, who are in declining health. She is the the only one who drives. So she does all the errands and shopping. She works so hard. I just wanted to know if there was some sort of program that could compensate her financially like a job would?
Hi Kimberly - you might have your sister check with the state you live in to see if your family qualifies for the D & E Waiver. It is for low income elderly 65 years old and over or those who have a disability approved by the waiver and quilify for "institutional Medicaid". That means the care recipient has to meet: (1) the required level of care provided in a nursing home and (2) financial eligibility criteria.
She can call the Aging and Long-term Services Department for the state your family lives in.
Also, if you're not already having Meals on Wheels delivered that may be something to consider as it would relieve your sister of preparing and serving at least one meal per day, five days out of the week.
Some Home Health Agencies offer medical/nursing care and non-medical services such as shopping, running errands and comanionship that may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Recieving these services would give your sister a break and some time to herself.
Depending on your parents medical conditions they may qualify for Hospice care, which would provide not only things like disposable underwear and absorbable under pads, but some in home care from nurses and home makers as well. This could be worth checking into to have an assessment done to see if they qualify.
This is the website for the Area Agency on Aging - you may find some good information there. http://www.n4a.org/
If I think of any other possible sources of help I'll let you know.
Best - BDNU
Kimberly -
Many VA medical centers have a program that provides PAs so a caregiver can take care of their own business, including the 'ability' to take an hour or two off.
Most older veterans (having served pre-1981) would qualifify. Many older veterans have never 'gotten into' the VA system even though they are entitled by the very fact they served -- that's the only 'requirement.'
Many Counties have a 'senior citizen hotline.' I have found those individuals to be both very helpful and very knowledgable.
Good luck!
--- Regards, Walt Schmidt
Kimberly,
THere is a program that might help a little. It is called Respite. IT gives a caregiver a little money to take anight off. It could help pay for someone to come in who is approved by the program, to help take care of you so she can take an hour or two and go to a movie or something. It is like a break so she can recharge. Check with Health and Human services and see of there is a program like this where you live.
There are two options for you. The previous post mentioned respite which is desperately needed for all caregivers. The Lifespan Respite Act passed but there's no funding yet. For more information on the Lifespan Respite Act or to find respite nationally see www.archrespite.org. Also, there are consumer-directed programs called "Cash & Counseling" Medicaid programs nationally which allow family caregivers to be reimbursed caring for their loved ones who are Medicaid eligible or on waiver programs. The pilot states were NJ, AR, and FL (for more information see www.mathematica-mpr.com and click on disability issues). Check with your state Medicaid office to find out if they have consumer-directed "Cash & Counseling" programs.
