Caring for an ederly person?

Question

I care for a friend who is disabled. I am not paid,do not have health care and my friend's family does not seem to care.
I am an RN.

Any financial help available?

We are in Florida. No one has power of attorney. Just doing this out of the goodness of my heart, but the woman's kids live right down the road. They don't want to put her in a senior home, afraid it wil take all the old lady's money (I guess). But I am also not getting paid and using my own money. I have heard of such things as reverse mortgages, Medicaid, Medicare, but not sure if I qualify. Meanwhile, I have no job, no insurance, no income (I am drawing unemployment), and depleting savings. I don't want to leave my friend alone.

Answer 1

Got your e-mail
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Since you are an R.N. and you are obviously taking care of this "friend", I suggest that you approach the family with regards to your assuming the role of a "Private Duty Nurse". After all, as a Registered Nurse, you are placing YOUR license on the line and will be ultimately responsible for anything that may occur. Do you read me so far?

Check with some of the Elder Care Nursing Agencies in and around your area (There are quite a few) to see what rates they are paying for "Private Duty Nursing". You will find out it is almost prohibitive.

Here is where your friendship will come in.

See if the family will take you on as the "Care Provider", offer them a reasonable rate, see if they are willing to pay you for your services, and take it from there. At least get yourself INSURED.

My suggestion to you is that, if they are not amenable to that, then you might as well "cut bait", because you are jeopardizing your life work to take care of a friend whose family will not be so forgiving were something to happen to that family member. Remember - BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

One question for you - In this day and age of a NATIONAL SHORTAGE of QUALIFIED NURSES and general healthcare professionals - why is it that you are out of work? (you can answer me by e-mail if you wish).

I guess my main point in all of this is that by playing the "good Samaritan", you are leaving yourself wide open for a malpractice lawsuit. Please, at least protect yourself from ending up in court.

Answer 2

elder care requires a set of services to respond to a wide range of often unpredictable medical,emotional, physical and financial possibilities. These services are frequently required to be delivered some distance from the employee. Elder care takes many forms, including providing meals, transportation
to medical appointments, food shopping, financial assistance, assisting with housework or providing
emotional support.
For more information see here http://bit.ly/1v6HIgN

Answer 3

Chewck with your conty department of social services. I know that in California, caregivers can be paid through the county and get benefits.