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EthelMClark, welcome to the forum. Please note 40% of caregivers die leaving behind the love one they were caring for. Being a caregiver is not easy, especially if the caregiver is eventually doing the work of 3-shifts per day. It is emotionally and physically exhausting. Then what would you do? The guilt would be overwhelming.


I was in my 60's helping my parents logistically for 7 years, not hands-on, not living with them. And that burned me out as I was working full-time at a career that I had worked hard to achieve. I needed to work to help fund my own retirement and get health insurance that my work paid until I was old enough to get Medicare, but I also needed funds to purchase secondary insurance. There was a lot of stress. I was on-call 24/7 which made it hard to plan things with friends, as my parents could call on a moments notice (they both were fall risks).


Curious, how is your grand-daughter going to fund her own retirement and health insurance? Afford a car, gasoline, maintenance? Personal expenses? As Medicaid usually only pays minimum wage for a few hours per week, not enough for your grand-daughter to put away for her own retirement and every day necessities.
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Reply to freqflyer
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Have you told your granddaughter that caring for you is Her choice and she can leave at anytime? Have you made alternative plans for your care that does not involve her? Have you had conversations with your granddaughter about what she wants in her life and what are her interests and goals without burdening her with your care and expectations? If she checks on you once or twice a year and that’s what she can do for her own health and happiness, accept it. That’s it. Your children are not available to help with a plan if not care? That’s their choice too. Look elsewhere for more consistent care. You pay private caregiver or agency or go to a facility. You don’t own her because “you moved her in”. She can leave anytime and should if she wants. She has her own life. Hire private caregivers with your money or apply for Medicaid. You sound very self focused. If you are the person needing care, your needs come second or third to people willing to help.
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Reply to Beethoven13
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Caring for the elderly can be very difficult as they grow older. Dealing with the equipment, medicines, infirmities, illnesses, appointments, etc. is often overwhelming even for those who have prior experience in caring for a relative. Your granddaughter may need special training as your health declines. I hope for the best for both of you, but please be aware that you deserve the best of care, and granddaughter deserves training so that she will be able to cope.
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Reply to Fawnby
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How old is your granddaughter? Does she have other paid employment so that she is building her career and securing her own financial future? Especially if you’re so low-income that you qualify for Medicaid, she’ll need to provide more for herself because the Medicaid hours will be limited and the pay will be low.
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Reply to MG8522
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What state are you in? Medicaid rules can vary by state.

Medicaid requres 2 qualifications: financial and medical. You can look up the financial qualification on your DHS website. Medical qualification means one has been assessed by a doctor or facility as needing a SNF, nursing home or LTC (ie, daily medical attention, not just custodial).

Sometimes counties will have Elder Waiver or other programs to keep elders "in the community" as opposed to a facility. Even if you qualify, there is another hoop to jump through to get your granddaughter paid by Medicaid. Also, she will most likely make minimum wage, and will not get FT hours. This is based upon many years of participating on this forum. I have only once read of someone (who happened to be a lawyer) who was able to get FT in-home care from Medicaid (and it wasn't a paid relative).

If you don't qualify for Medicaid, then you will need to pay your granddaughter yourself personally. Make sure to have a written employment contract, and make sure someone is your PoA, plus get all your other legal ducks in a row.

How old are you? Are you currently dealing with impairment of some sort? I'm asking because as you decline your granddaughter may be overwhelmed by your needs. If she isn't working and having her wages paid "above the table" (ie she's contributing withholding taxes) then she won't have the required 40 quarters (10 years) of work history that will make her eligible for SS and Medicare.

More info from you would be helpful.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Cal the Dept of health and human services and explain to them exactly what you just asked. Your granddaughter may even get a small payment every month for caring for you.
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Reply to Katenique82
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How old is your granddaughter? Does she have any special training in caring for the elderly? Does she have a job outside of caring for you? Is she married and/or have kids? Do you have dementia or any disease? What are your limitations? These are all things to consider when making anyone a caregiver. You say you moved her in with you. That makes me think she is young. Make sure you discuss with her POA, finances, future plans for you both and such. She might want to consult with an attorney as well.
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Reply to JustAnon
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Your caregiver should have the ability to help you sign up, or the ability to contact professionals who do this.

The Area Agency on Aging may have a social worker who can assist you. This agency is often part of your local senior center.

Naming a family member without the skills required, or calling them your caregiver
does not serve you. It often results in the family member being paid but no help comes your way.
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Reply to Sendhelp
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Call your local health and human services office for your county of residence.
You may be able to type "Medicaid" in your computer search bar and find contact information for your local office.

Call and tell them you would like to apply for medicaid. If you get a chance to talk with a Medicaid social worker, explain your situation to them.

There are different types of programs, depending on your condition and your needs, which you might be eligible for. If you qualify for Community and Home Based Services, ask if your granddaughter can be paid as your caregiver.

Keep in mind, this is not just free money given away easily. You must meet eligibility requirements, and have specific care needs which you are unable to do for yourself, and she must be able to meet those care needs. A social worker will determine how many hours a week of care services can be paid. Some states will require her to be employed with a home care agency, or use a fiscal manager, contracted with Medicaid, so that her hours worked can be billed to Medicaid, and that agent will pay her through payroll.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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