Ask Denise: Can I Get a Stipend for Caregiving?

Dear Denise, I’ve been searching all day for answers and did not find any but I did find your web site. I wish I had found it sooner and had the time to go through it now. I have so many questions it may take a month of Sundays to ask them. Of course that always leads to more. What I am trying to find today is is there any info on a monthly stipend to help take care of elderly disabled parent(s)? My mom had...

POA and a Good Attorney: A Family Caregiver’s Best Friends

It didn’t take long to complete, although it may have taken awhile to convince your care recipient of its necessity. But, today, that simple piece of paper is worth a million bucks (or close to it). Robert Freedman can’t emphasize enough the importance of a durable power of attorney for finances and for health care. “It’s not expensive to get,” he says, “and it’s the first...

Ask Denise: How Much Is Fair?

Dear Denise, Would you help me? Dad just passed on March 2 at 99 1/2 years old! A week before he died in was in the Senior Games. He died of respiratory failure. I spent 20 years being responsible for him. The last seven months he lived with me. My two brothers never helped . As soon as Dad died they wanted whatever money was left over. I have not paid myself since June 07! While previously, I only paid myself...

How Do We Pay My Sister?

Dear Denise, Is there any information out there to give us an idea of how to compensate a sibling for caring for our father. My sister was laid off and not going back to work so she can stay home and care for our father who now lives with her and her family. He is 87 and has some early Alzheimer’s. He still showers, dresses, eats, etc. We want to help her with expenses, and her time as she and her...

What’s Your Favorite Frugal Tip?

Frugal is the new black. Saving money is as big as my hair was in the 80′s (I loved hairspray). But, if you’re in a caregiving role, you already knew that bargain-hunting and comparison-shopping keeps the budget in line. At November 2007 survey released by National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare indicated that family caregivers spend an average of $5,500 annually of their own money–more than...

Does Medicare Reimburse Me for Caregiving?

Dear Denise, Does Medicare give any kind of benefits to a caregiver? I have been caring for my mom for over 4 years now; I heard that you can get some financial help from Medicare due to the fact that they don’t have to pay a nurse, or a home.  Is this true? Hi, Unfortunately, Medicare (federal insurance program typically for persons 65 and older) does not reimburse a family caregiver. Medicaid (a health...

Why Am I Doing This for Free?

Hi, I take care of my grandmother 24 hours during the week. Her kids pick her up on Friday night at 6 p.m. and bring her home on Sunday by 6 p.m. My question is: Am I wrong to feel that I should be paid for my time? How much should I be paid for 24 hour care? I fix all of her meals and clean up after her and do all the housework, etc. I also do her hair and make-up and all the laundry, take her to the doctor and...

How Much Do We Pay Our Sister?

Dear Denise, My mother is 81 and in need of 24-hour care. My sister is eventually going to provide that care with family assistance. In the interim, we have a cousin who is volunteering to provide care until those arrangements can be made. She is not asking for pay, however we are going to provide as much as possible for her. Where to begin? Do we need a contract? What’s a fair wage? What about days off? Mom...

Should We Quit Our Jobs?

Dear Denise, My 81-year-old mother-in-law was diagnosed with Dementia about 5 years ago and diabetes a few months ago. She lived in an apt for about 3 years. The last 2 ½ years she has lived in an apt that we built in our backyard. She is spouse of a veteran so receives survivor benefits and social security. Total amount of income is approx $1,450.00 per month. My mother-in-law is getting to the stage where one of...