Connect
← Return to Cost of memory care for an Alzheimer's patient
Discussion
Cost of memory care for an Alzheimer's patient
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
@memoriestomoments
Thanks for sharing your story. There is so much learning involved on our end to accommodate this disease. I think you may be exhausted? I'm worn out just reading all the things you've done. I am sure you are an amazing person and Gary is very, very fortunate to have you in his life.
You spoke of picking a care model based on our priorities, however I feel this will be based on personal finances as well. Memory care facilities can charge over $10,000/month. This is challenging for those of us that don't qualify for Medicaid and may have challenges coughing up that $ each month.
Everything is hard, so we appreciate your wisdom.
All the best to you. 🌺
Replies to "@memoriestomoments Thanks for sharing your story. There is so much learning involved on our end to..."
Dear @judimahoney
Thank you kindly for the atta-girl! 🙂 The only good thing about having your spouse get early-onset Alzheimer's is that I also have been relatively young while accompanying him. I also have always had a lot of energy. Furthermore, as in the case of so many people on this site, I am fueled by love.
I have to hold back every time I post to keep from leading with a "disclaimer": I am very aware that I have done this under the luckiest circumstances: A loving relationship, a trusting and sweet husband, overall good personal health, and yes, money for help. I grew up in a household with very little money, so I have always been very frugal. Right from the start, I was appalled at what even part-time help cost. ( $40/hr times any number of hours gets really big rally fast!). We had purchased some long-term care insurance long ago but had not increased the amount over time, so I get reimbursed a flat $117 per day regardless of what I spend. It does help. My heart goes out to everyone who is facing much harder situations than mine with scant money and health problems of their own. I pray for my demential caregiver peers often.
It is such a large and growing national issue. It pains me to see where large sums go instead of going to the kinds of things that could provide caregivers with at least some respite. We should do what we can to influence policy -- in our "spare time".
One wonderful thing is that if you do have some ability to hire helpers, you meet such truly good people. A lady came to help us a few times and then had to stop for health reasons. She was so kind and nurturing. I found out talking with her later that she was doing this work as a break from taking care of her mother who has advanced dementia! Our first caregiver brought such light to our lives every single time he came. "Good Morning! How is everyone??? Good, good. Let's see what we are going to do today!" Oh, I had a few duds in there, but most have been people I came to care about and am very glad to have had enter our lives.
Warm regards headed your way.
Connect
@judimahoney
Yes to everything you said!