They asked me to move in with them. They are both confused easily & one has major memory issues. I understand they want me to clean house, cook, provide medical care as needed, and assisting as needed 24/7. At this time they do not need much nursing care other than advice & filling two pill organizers weekly. I am a nurse & want to do this but need some income to pay for my own insurances, car loan, ... They do not qualify for Medicaid. I hate to ask them to pay me but can not afford to quit my job to do this without some income.
Is part of the issue that your parent won't consider outside caregivers? Part of what you will face down the road is burnout from caring for 2 diabled elders and wanting some respite. And they won't allow it, because only YOU can care for them.
I'm not meaning to be such a negative Nelly, but read some threads on this site before you agree to this. Your parents WILL qualify for Medicaid if they go to an elder care attorney, and with your help, use their income and savings on caregivers or a good Assisted Living facility. They will dpend down until they are Medicaid eligible.
Please think hard about this, and let us know how it works out!
This doesn't sound as though they need someone living there 24/7. I have the feeling there are other issues involved. Do you dislike your job, or are there problems there that makes this seem like a better alternative?
I think it would be wise to really examine your perception that you need to live with them to provide the care they need now, as well as how you feel about quitting your job.
Explain to your parents, during a clear moment when they are in the present brain wise, you need to work to have your own retirement fund, or you'd be living under a bridge when you become older. My Dad asked me to quit work, so I in turn ask Dad did he quit his job to care of his parents or my Mom's parents. I knew his answer would be no, and he understood.
If you still insist doing this type of work, ask your parents for the last salary wage you had received as a nurse.... ask for money to purchase health insurance on the open market which is more expensive then group rate at the hospital.... ask for money to put into your 401(k).... put into Medicare.... put into Social Security. Ask for paid days off for vacation and sick leave.
If you don't get any days off, you will find yourself working 168 hours per week, that would be like working all 2 or 3 shift per day at the hospital.... think of this that way.
Are you really ready for this?
I plan to MAKE time off daily, wkly, and longer breaks every 3 months. I'm aware of the impending stress & am trained, in several modalities, of ways to cope and handle sensitive situations. I also told them I'd help as long as I am able mentally & physically, and will need some outside help.
I feel better now about asking for full compensation, which was my concern.