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sundfam
09-03-2007, 01:23 PM
Greetings Wacco's:

My name is Cheryl...just registered this morning. I wanted to share some stuff that I know a lot of good people here in Sonoma Co. must be going through. When I bring up this subject in almost any situation, I almost always find someone doing something similar. I thought I would mention it here too.

My sister and I are caregiving for our 83 year old Mom. She has dementia, and vertebral fractures. She is for the most part disabled. We like most loving daughters would prefer to keep mom in her home for as long as we can. We are in the process of waiting for an evaluation from the Medi-Cal IHHS folks (get in line), and also possible help from the Veteran's. My dad was a veteran of WW2, so mom may be eligiable for "aid and attendance" (more of the waiting in line). Its the waiting for help that makes us crazy. Like a never ending day at the DMV, or the Unemployment office. We have been waiting for 126 days, and counting. If you paid someone $10.00/hr. for hmmm 3024hrs, that's about $30k...I'm guessing that there are not many folks prepared for this kind of expenditure. Either have to be quite well off, or have nothing to get any help. Otherwise, you wait, and wait some more.

I live in Guerneville. My Mom land sister both live in Santa Rosa. My sister works and commutes to the bay area 4 days a week, spends the other 3 days with mom. I stay at Mom's from Sunday evening through Thursday afternoon. I work on the weekends, and catch up with my husband and 17 year old sons' lives. We feel lucky to have each other, but the strain is starting to feel quite heavy.

All of the problems we're experiencing now will only get BIGGER with the whole boomer set...it's so close. It scares me. How can we prepare???

I will cut to the chase here...I know there's lots of you out there, doing the same or similar for your parent(s). I know there must be some creative way for us to pool our resources. Anyone have any ideas, or like thinking here?

Braggi
09-03-2007, 08:46 PM
Hi Cheryl,

I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties, and you're right, many of us face similar situations in the near future if we're not already.

I know a person in Sonoma County who is well trained and well connected in all the ways you'd like her to be. Her name is Wendy Taylor and her business is called Taylor Elder Care. She's a Social Worker by training and is a specialist in elder care issues.

Her website is: https://tayloreldercare.com/

I know she's pretty busy and she keeps her caseload small so she can do a good job for all her clients. I hope she has openings now and can help you. She may also be able to refer you to someone else who does similar work.

Blessings to you and your family,

-Jeff

caterina
09-03-2007, 09:11 PM
Greetings Cheryl,

Have you heard of the non profit agency...Redwood Caregivers... they are in based Santa Rosa but cover all of Sonoma County and beyond.....they have many resources for care givers of elders... financial support for respite... and can really help a family in a situation like yours. Get in touch with them..they are listed in the phone book....and talk to someone there..

They are a really great organization. They really came through for us when we were caregiving my father last year. My best to you....

Caterina

Greetings Wacco's:

My name is Cheryl...just registered this morning. I wanted to share some stuff that I know a lot of good people here in Sonoma Co. must be going through. When I bring up this subject in almost any situation, I almost always find someone doing something similar. I thought I would mention it here too.

My sister and I are caregiving for our 83 year old Mom. She has dementia, and vertebral fractures. She is for the most part disabled. We like most loving daughters would prefer to keep mom in her home for as long as we can. We are in the process of waiting for an evaluation from the Medi-Cal IHHS folks (get in line), and also possible help from the Veteran's. My dad was a veteran of WW2, so mom may be eligiable for "aid and attendance" (more of the waiting in line). Its the waiting for help that makes us crazy. Like a never ending day at the DMV, or the Unemployment office. We have been waiting for 126 days, and counting. If you paid someone $10.00/hr. for hmmm 3024hrs, that's about $30k...I'm guessing that there are not many folks prepared for this kind of expenditure. Either have to be quite well off, or have nothing to get any help. Otherwise, you wait, and wait some more.

I live in Guerneville. My Mom land sister both live in Santa Rosa. My sister works and commutes to the bay area 4 days a week, spends the other 3 days with mom. I stay at Mom's from Sunday evening through Thursday afternoon. I work on the weekends, and catch up with my husband and 17 year old sons' lives. We feel lucky to have each other, but the strain is starting to feel quite heavy.

All of the problems we're experiencing now will only get BIGGER with the whole boomer set...it's so close. It scares me. How can we prepare???

I will cut to the chase here...I know there's lots of you out there, doing the same or similar for your parent(s). I know there must be some creative way for us to pool our resources. Anyone have any ideas, or like thinking here?

sundfam
09-04-2007, 08:58 AM
Thanks Jeff and Caterina for your reply.

I will certainly keep your friend Wendy in mind Jeff when we hear if we are eligible for financial assistance. Caterina, I have been in contact with Redwood Caregivers. Nice bunch of folks. At least got us going in the right direction with the whole dementia deal. They have lots of information regarding creative ways to deal with Alzhiemers patients and the symptoms to look for that are indicative of stages of the disease.

They do have support groups available too, but because of the time spent here at mom's and the very little time I call my own, I just cannot justify more time spent in Santa Rosa, instead of being home.

We installed a computer here to help make my sister and I feel more connected to the world, and have the ability to access information and support via websites with community forums like wacco, and chat rooms
etc that offer relief from feeling so alone with this process.

Thanks again guys...Cheryl:heart:

here2help
09-26-2007, 11:43 AM
:heart:
HELLO CHERYL!! I have been in the health care business for many years,both as a caregiver and a case manager in charge of client`s care. I have a small group of very dedicated caregivers working with and for me and i know we can be of some help, even if just by giving support. Feel free to call me! Mandy at 707-478-1127