Home Care

[Abby2006]

Well its come to this, setting up some home care and hoping that Medicare will help $20 an hour (3 hour minimum) and 42 cents a mile (right now I have 5 doctors to get to, but have to do something

Abby

[stillstANNding]

What kind of care, Abby? Medical care or housekeeping? Help with mail and bills and such?

Thinking of you,
ANN

[Abby2006]

The people I found don't do medical just home care which I am gong to just use for the 5 doctors I have got to get to ASAP - I did not know they did not do medical as I was hoping medicare would help but as always the best made plans of men and mcie.

Its a good starting point to letting go of my life and letting someone else take care of me, I'm very indpendent, not alot oa pride at this point but just have my own way of doing things - like don't touch anything because if you move something I will never find it.

Place called Home Instead.

I fear I will be in a nursing home soon as its all becoming to much and I read that thing on nursing homes and it scared me to death.

These people although doing noble and hard work are really raking in the money

I've can do 5 doctors visits at $20 and hour with a 3 hour mim and 42 cents a mile bur thats it for this summer and maybe next.

AS for mall, I haven't set foot in a mall in 8 years. (ir a hairdresser or anything else) I go to the mail box and back and thats it. but I'm okay with that as I was raised for my expectations to be low (scene from movie 'something to talk about'

Abby

Abby

[Parsi]

I'm not quite getting it. :confused:

Could you get a high school or college student a few hours a week to drive you to the places you need to go and take you shopping? Perhaps for minimum wage?

More skilled care or intensive care of course would cost more.

[0357]

Abby,

Call your local NMSS chapter for they could give you leads to people who give rides. The people they put you in contact with you could give you other names; that's what happened to me.

If you need more care they too could give you leads. My friend was put in touch with an organization that gave her 20 hours weekly of preparing meals, cleaning, help with bathing, etc. free of cost (based on income level).

Our local NMSS chapter gives $500 yearly to those with MS for any need (not based on income); rides included. Hopefully your local chapter will have an yearly allowance for such needs.

Take care.

[Parsi]

0357's post reminded me: My cousin had been part of a food co-op several years ago. Part of their requirements for being a member, was that they were to do a certain number of community service hours. I believe she gave rides to people who needed them.

So if you have a food co-op near you, check with them. Perhaps you could get the rides, meal prep, and cleaning, etc., help you need from its members.

[Abby2006]

Been there NMSS no help

Abby

[Abby2006]

I was terroriaed by a teenager, don't think I want someone young, its not a safe world anymore and the situational ethics the young people have been and are being taught does not make them safe human beings in my book.

Abby

[Cat Dancer]

It's still not real clear to me what kind of home care you want. If you're a senior citizen (usually over 60, or sometimes 65), most counties -- even my rural one -- have services available for seniors. Around here, it's primarily rides to doctors and the grocery store, for a minimal amount (last time I checked it was $5). They won't take you to the mall, though. You can also sign up for meals-on-wheels if you want. Around here, they're available for younger disabled persons, too.

I hire a maid to come in once every two weeks, 2 hours each time, to change the linens on the bed, clean the bathrooms, vacuum and wash the floors. She's a woman in her mid-50's (so not a teen that you're scared of). She'll do other minor chores too, if I ask. She charges $15 for the 2 hours; I usually give her $20. I found her through a small advertisement in the local shopper, and interviewed a couple of women before settling on her.

[Abby2006]

I'm not over 60 and I don't do sheets or malls <grin>

Abby

[Cat Dancer]

I'm not over 60 and I don't do sheets or malls <grin>

Abby

I didn't make myself clear. The service in my rural county -- although advertised "for seniors" is also available for anyone with a disability, with special emphasis on those folks otherwise housebound, either because they use a wheelchair, or don't drive, or whatever other combination. So it would be available to you, if you lived here. Worth checking in to. Unless you want to continue to play the "yes, but..." game. (Someone suggests something, you say, "yes, but...won't work for me!!")

[renee]

I live in an area w/a lot of colleges.
A lot to of them have community volunteer outreach services. I work w/ the spouse of a college student volunteer coordinator.

In the meantime, my once-a-week nurse who is a good PAL and sharp as a new syringe, has found me someone through her agency who can be assigned to 3 hours/month on a saturday to do cleaning blitz. Through a creative twist of NYmedicaid.

High recommendations/ mature, smart, trust-worthy can spot and initiate what needs to be done. 3 hours is all that I want my current life pattern to be interrupted by an outsider but she sounds great.
Who knows- maybe she'll be up for a little gardening or cookie making.

Bonchance, Abby.
Screw institutions- unless I get a spot on an assisted living cruiseship.

[Gabriella7]

Medicare doesn't provide those types of services and neither does the NMSS who's main focus is raising money for research. A college student seems to be your best bet and maybe one who is studying in the health related area.

That's a great idea....an assisted living cruise ship!

Gabriella

[jena1225]

Wow, some really great ideas! My NMSS has never failed me. If they cannot help me, that have always been able to send me in the right direction. But, I know they are not all the same :rolleyes:

CAT has given you a really great idea for a resource, and I can't see how you couldn't benefit from them in one way or another. I would definately check them out.

[KLD]

If you are looking for a personal care attendant (PCA), who can help with transfers, bathing, bowel/bladder/skin care, do some light housekeeping, and help with transportation, DON'T hire from an agency. They will charge you an arm and a leg, and many times not allow things such as bladder care to be done by an aide.

You are better off to hire on your own. Check out aides who work at local hospitals and nursing homes who want to work on the side to make extra money. College students are an option, as are women's shelters who often have job placement services. Consider offering room and board in lieu of some of the pay in those situations (if you have an extra bedroom).

Just keep in mind that you will primarily be looking for someone who is reliable (check references) and willing to learn...you don't have to have someone with a healthcare background. Also keep in mind that those with another job will most likely want part-time, and not 7 days/week. If they have another job, they can get health insurance through that...hiring full time without offering benefits makes it very difficult to hire like this, and may be a problem with your homeowners insurance coverage for them (for worker's comp, etc.).

Check with your local Independent Living Center (www.ilusa.com) to see if they have a PCA referral program. They can also tell you about tax and Social Security requirements (as an employer) and tell you what the going rate of pay is in your area for a PCA.

My mother's PCA lives in, and also has another job at a local hospital. She provides my mothers AM and bedtime care 7 days/week (she is a jewel!!), but you often will need to find several part time people if you need help every day of the week. She has been with my mother for 6 years, and they pay her $15/hour.

[karlee]

Dear Abby,

Are these $20/hr, 3-hr min people bonded?

A few months ago I signed up with a service here in my town called Solutions for Home Care. It's owned by a (female) former 20-year veteran Parole Officer and her partner whi is a retired RN. They are insured and bonded.

They don't do anything medical, but for $14/hr, with a 3-hour minimum, a call to them will result in someone they have back-ground checked coming out to help me.

Whether it's helping me off the ground, or doing housework, they'll do any number of things they could do to help. They'll run errands for me like groceries or pharmacies with no mileage charge if they use my car. They'll take me to doctor appointments.

I haven't had to call them yet, but it's good to know they're there if I can't contact a neighbor.

Hmmm--- their charge would be $42 for three hours. I pay my housekeeper $50. ;)

[Mariel]

When we were in Seattle our own church did not help us but the local Catholic parish sent out two different men to help lift things, move things, repair things in our apartment. One was a man about forty, the president of Knights of Columbus, the other was a recently retired engineer who could do ANYTHING. We tried all the usual suspects, NMSS, etc., and only the Catholics helped. We were not even asking for charity but did not want to pay the going rate for help in that area, which was about $l40 for two hours minimum for a handyman. We did not get household maid help, but paid $l50 a month to have the carpet cleaned with steam because of my sensitivities. We gave two sizable donations to the church in lieu of payment to these two redoubtables. We came back to NM because we own this house, but our expenses are even greater here, $80 for two hours cleaning of the house and $40 a week to mow the weeds, plus $20 an hour (a bargain) for a handyman to fix the house. The house is for sale, and is environmentally safe, but the local market for houses has tanked for now. So here we are just barely living within our income and spending our last savings on dental care or travel a hundred miles to doctor specialists. Some would say we're fortunate, but our expenses are large. We know we are fortunate, so far.

[Abby2006]

Yes Karen they are boneded, although before I put the signed contract in the mail I noticed something that I didn't like in regard to deposit. I want it all on paper no hidden meanings, I surprise people with logic and I'm sure seniors (those much older and weaker than I) might get sucked into scams

Abby

[Maine/Boston]

Abby,

What state are you in? There must be some agency that would help a hospital?

[dizzyintx]

As someone said medicare will not help at all, but here in Texas they have something called Long Term Care. They do exactly what you said. I have applied in the state human services office. I am sure you have something similar. Also the MSF helps, you can find out more here http://www.msfacts.org/programs_patientsvc_homecare.php

Good Luck!

[Abby2006]

I'm in Minnesota remember I had that post looking for help.

Its okay I can do this one summer with them and then maybe something else will come up, I can't stress over anything or I'll end back up in the hospital speaking of which my BOB (bug out bag) I got from eddie bauer was way to big, I mean this is something I am going to grab next time the ambulance comes not something that looks like I packed for a vacation (no not a paperbag that will not do )

Abby

[Maine/Boston]

As frustrating as it is you really need to be your own detective. Ask your local hospital social worker, ask the Dr's office Call your town office there is assistance out there. You said the NMSS wasn't any help call the MSSA. You have a computer so contact everyone Montel, Oprah, local senators office.
You will get results from somewhere.

[Abby2006]

I got results~ from a little book I got in the hospital that gave the list os this place among other things.

I am tired, So I've been working my rear end off, there is no help out there is all a facade, game of pretend to keep those funding dollars coming in.

Abby

[jena1225]

I got results~ from a little book I got in the hospital that gave the list os this place among other things.

I am tired, So I've been working my rear end off, there is no help out there is all a facade, game of pretend to keep those funding dollars coming in.

Abby

You really think it's all a facad Abby? Or did I read it wrong?

[Abby2006]

Did I spell it wrong? <smile> yes in some ways I do, I have seen alot through this ordeal of finding a way to the stupid doctors and its really all about money, and lots of it.

Abby

[Maine/Boston]

Abby,
Who ever gave you the book should help you, call them and tell them you need help. If you can afford it fine but if you cannot you need to tell them they are not mind readers. I do not mean to sound harsh but you need to speak up for yourself. I know it is hard to ask, I hate asking for help. But when you need it you just have to ask. If you want to tell me where you are I will call for you. Send me a private message and I will do what I can for you.
Jan

[jena1225]

I have yet to come across any problems with receiving any help that I have needed so far. I may in the future, I don't know. I know one reason is b/c I made TONS of phone calls to track down the right places for different things.
M/B is absolutely right in that nobody is going to do it for you, and nor will anyone know what you need unless you ask.

So far, I have gotten a brand new w/c, forearm crutches, walker, shower chair, MS camp for my daughter, counseling, someone to come in to assess my house for needed amenities, installation and amenities, and more - ALL FREE.

For some of that, I had to make several calls to find the right person for each, but it was well worth it.

To be honest, even if it's "all about the money", (which I don't feel it is)unless I am being charged MORE than what it would cost me elsewhere, why would that have anything to do with me? In MY experience, when I DID have to pay for something, it was certainly much less than I would have paid anywhere else.

Are you being quoted alot of money to get a ride to the Doctor's office? If so, compare it to the cost of a taxi, maybe that is cheaper?

There really are many resources out there - I hope you find what you need Abby :)

[Abby2006]

I know that a Taxi is a option as is the seniors bus, but both present a problem of which it would take to long to explain. This is what I'm doing this year.

Abby

[jena1225]

Actually, I was THINKING one of those buses when I wriote taxi, sorry!:rolleyes: (very tired)

[Kittianne54]

I'm a bit embarrassed to look for help. I have a husband and six adult children. Right now my husband is on a business trip. The two kids that are close enough to able to help are not very eager. I have an appt. this aft. to have my baclofen pump refilled - my son (29) just called and asked how long it was going to take, because he's not feeling well. I asked him because my daughter (32) recently had a hissy fit and blurted out 'you always ask me'. If I could stand without falling over, I'd kick them both in the butt.

[Abby2006]

Kittianne54 if I were you I would get some outside help, don't make the family feel guilty just tell them thats the way it is

Abby