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Expert Answer by Ann Cason
Ann Cason, as founder and director of Circles of Care, provides caregiving, consulting, and training services for families and caregivers of elderly people, as well as public and private organizations concerned with eldercare issues. She is the author of Circles of Care: How to Set Up Quality Home Care for Our Elders.Live-in caregivers cost from $700 to $3000 a week. There are many factors such as what part of the country you live in, what the living accommodations are and what hours the person is required to be on duty. The ability to speak the elder's language is also a factor.
When the elder is up most of the night, you may have to pay someone to come in on an hourly basis. Many women who provide night time care, count on being able to sleep enough on the job, so that they can also hold down a day time job. Often, this creates more suffering in the home. The elder suffers and the caregiver suffers even more.
Have you taken this elderly woman to the doctor to find out what is causing the frequesnt urination at night. Often there is medication for this condition.
In my experience, young people work well for overnight care. Try to hire two people in their 20's or 30's who take turns on the night shift. Have them work from 10 p.m. to 6 or 8 a.m. Then find a person who needs part time work for a few hours in the day. Or find some one who will live in and fix bereakfast and dinner in exchange for room and board and stipend.
You could hire a professional care manager to supervise and support the helpers. Or you could do it yourself.
Think about what it is you need to continue taking care. Try to find enough care to form a team, a circle of care, people who will share. Try to create a feeling of sisterhood or brotherhood with the helpers.Then you can all work together for the benefit of all.
Call home care agencies to research charges and services. Call professional geriatric care mangers. Make an appointment with the doctor, Call the senior center to ask about local day care programs. Ask friends how to find helpers.
I have been a Nurse for 40 years, and am presently Director of Resident Care for Loyalton of Ravenna, in Ohio. All of your Adult Care Issues, Independent, Assisted, Nursing, Day Care, Respite, Hospice, etc. can be answered by contacting any Emeritus Senior Living Community. We are in 34 States. Or go to www.emeritus.com for helpful information.
In Good Health,
Janet Girecky, LPN,LVN/RCD
I would have to agree with Ann. But I would be careful about just hiring any youth to care for an aging parent during the night.
Even when using an in-care agency it is important to know what screening they do for their caregivers. Each one has their own set of background checks and research.
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VERY similar sit'n in Westchester Co, NY and the agency is charging $210 per diem. Bro-in-Law was fed up being there, so jumped on first offer. Probably available for much less, esp considering the youth options in the first answer.
