I have been looking for someone to spend a couple of hours with my parents, who live with me, once a week, making puzzles, taking walks, etc. I don't actually need the extra help at present, but my mom has dementia and my dad is nearly 90 and frail, so I anticipate needing help in the future. I've identified a great person and after several trial visits, I'd like to start paying her by the hour. I don't know how much to offer her, however. Right now, she's not a caregiver/housekeeper/anything like that but rather is just spending time with them. Looking for suggestions, thank you.
You say “right now” and that makes me wonder if you’d like to someday start adding on to his/her duties.
Some things to consider… we, as BabyBoomers, are an economic force like nothing that has been seen before. The growth of the caregiving
industry has grown exponentially so there are many shady companies who don’t have your parents best interest in mind. Just keep that in mind.
As for paying some to play games and generally keep your parents occupied, is if that’s light duty for a caregiver is wrong. That is one of the most difficult parts of it and I will assume it’s why you’d like help with it. To start it may only be one or two hours… most agencies have a 4 hour minimum.
if you can find an independent to do this pay him/her at least 30 an hour. Make it worth his/her travel time.
From experience I can tell you that you will ‘go through’ several before you find a good match.
Good luck, love and light
I just moved in with a dear friend and I am exhausted after just a couple weeks - he shadows me, constantly repeats himself and talks nonstop. I was fading myself under the pressure. He is a very kind person and of course is in denial of any memory issues etc.,. I am slowly adjusting and utilizing some of the wonderful tips recommended here. Thanks to all of you kind people! Sending Love your way… pass it on!
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If she starts doing more hands on then $20.00 to 25 per hour and as it becomes more involved then about $25.00 to 30 per hour.
Are there Adult Day programs in your area? If so look into that for your parents. Typically a bus/van will pick up participants and a snack or light breakfast, lunch then a snack will be served during the day and activities for both of them.
If mom or dad is a Veteran often the VA has programs that will pay for a Day program and the VA also has programs that will provide a caregiver.
Contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission and they can determine if they qualify for any services.
I'd offer her $20 and see how it goes. My mom's caregivers get $25/hour and the ones through an agency charges me $30. Maybe start with 3 hours?
I'd think about making a list of things you would like to be done that can include the things you stated (on my list they're called games and exercise) and then add a few other household things like making their beds and doing laundry. If they do it themselves, she can have them help, etc. Making them a meal and cleaning up from it. Things like that.
Good luck.
The Dole Foundation has caregiver grants for veterans’ caregivers.
https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/hidden-heroes/
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