Tips to Help Family Caregivers Save Both Time and Money

1care

over 2 years ago

My husband has Alzheimers and can't travel alone. It would be so helpful if the bus service that comes to the house did not charge for the assistance, but when you have to pay 2.50 for each of you going and then 2.50 each coming home, that is $10.00 for transportation to the doctor (or wherever).The service would be great, but it is just too expensive for us.

As a longtime caregiver I am disappointed that these typse of articles are still running. The realities of caregiving are complex and are not one size fits all - to suggest that the senior "take the bus" or call a foodbank is ridiculous - Maybe they can take the bus to the foodbank and carry it all back with them. I expected better. Public transportation in most cities and suburban areas is subpar to unacceptable - in rural areas it does not exist. Nutritional needs in seniors is pitted against food insecurity as prices rise and income falls - including the planned increase in Medicare Part B premiums at the same time that COLA (Cost of Living Increase) is not going to happen. Please Caring.com ..... consider jettisoning the experts if this is the best they can do and ask real *at home* caregiving family members to contribute instead. I look forward to learning new information, not looking at articles purporting to 'help' and hitting the delete key. It is finally time for caregivers to speak up and ask for respect - not pie-in-the-sky articles like this. No offense to the author, but I doubt that they have considered what I have written - I hope they take my and others comments to heart.

Melanie Haik­en

over 2 years ago

I do understand your point, and you're right, some of these would be impossible with dementia. But my mom was actually suffering from severe mental impairment and I was still able to set up some transportation solutions, including a public bus. But yes, she was stubborn, she did refuse, and I had to insist and explain patiently how impossible a burden it was for me to provide all transportation. Then she was willing to try. I should have mentioned that in any caregiving situation, a lot of back and forth has to go on to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

So many of these suggestions are not doable. If the caregiver is aiding someone with dementia, early stage Alzheimers or just plain stubborn, giving them maps, cell phones and access to undependable senior transportation is useless. My mother was unable to use these as well as refused help from outsiders or spend money on services she was not familiar with. These tips may help those who have physical challenges but not mental ones.