Can you help? An Indian lady's life is just too hard. She has a number of ailments and no income whatsoever

Question

In spite of this, she takes care of her elderly mother in Chicago with no help whatsoever -- 24/7; except her brother pays mother's bills. She needs medicine, and she has been trying for several years without success to get a job. She passed the citizenship test a couple years ago, but no citizenship yet. She desperately needs help.

Actually, I have never met this woman. But it is her that needs help; she is 52 and her mother is very abusive of her and always has been. Her husband threw her out in India (for no reason whatever) with only the clothes on her back twenty years ago, and took her two sons, who now seem to despise her. It is all too much.

Answer 1

Your friend is lucky to have you and your concern for her situation!

Being a family caregiver is a big job! And the situation you describe has got to be a rally big challenge for your friend! Since you don't say how old your friend's mother is, I will assume that she is over age 60. The first step for your friend is to find resources that might help her "keep caring." And the first stop for information and options is the Area Agency on Aging serving the county where she lives.

Area Agencies on Aging are one of the best kept secrets available to older Americans. These organizations have staff that truly know how to listen to seniors and their family members and can provide guidance and advice on the services that are needed--information that will be of great help to know as decisions need to be made. They deal with questions and concerns of seniors and caregivers every day. It's important to know that these agencies are not "selling" anything--like a particular insurance plan or service--so the information put forward is is objective.

You or your friend can call 1-800-677-1116 toll free to find out the phone number of the local Area Agency on Aging office. When you call the Area Agency office, ask for the person who provides "Information and Assistance" or "Help for Family Caregivers." If you make this call, I am confident that you will find friendly and helpful people.

When your friend talks with the folks at the Area Agency on Aging she should ask specifically about other services that might be available to her as a family caregiver. Of course, she should ask about available in-home services that may be needed for her mother now or in the future. These services are for the seniors' benefit as well as for family caregivers like her.

Sometimes these types of in-home services are available on a "cost share" basis and the costs of services are based on the seniors' income or assets.

If your friend is over age 55, she might ask the Area Agency on Aging about programs that assist older job-seekers in finding a job. Area Agencies on Aging would know how to connect her to a possible job-training program that could help. If she is not yet 55-plus, she should check out services at the local Workforce Center. It would be advisable that a friend go with her, as in some communities, these centers can be very confusing and sometimes someone asking the right questions is needed. It is possible that your friend is having difficulties getting employment because of cultural differences in presenting herself or in communications.

If you or your friend call the Area Agency on Aging and like the help that received, let the county elected officials know and tell your members of Congress. Area Agencies don't have big budgets--in fact appropriations for most services funded under the Older Americans Act have not increased significantly in 25 years! Your friend will not be charged for the information she receives, however, any financial contribution she or her mother might make for the time and assistance devoted to her situation would be very welcomed--and would go toward helping more of her--and your--older friends and neighbors and their caregivers.

I hope this helps. Thanks for a great question and for caring! Best wishes and good luck to your friend and her mother!

Answer 2

Good thing brother pays her bills .
If she needs medicine, tell her to go to the local doctors office and they are required by law to give samples to folks without
insurance.(medicine)
Go apply at social services for help for u and the mother.
The mother could get meals on wheels, and all sorts of help.
You could get foodstamps and medical if u have no income whatsoever.
If all fails, ask a preacher . Open the phone book under clergy--maybe a church may help ya.
Think positive and God bless ya both.

Answer 3

Drop her off at the public hospital where she can get medical care. When she feels better, take her to one of the 99 cent stores in your city, she should be able to get a job there or at Wal-Mart. She is very lucky that you are taking care of her. Best of luck.

Answer 4

I used to assist people in crisis and the number one place to get help is at churches. Don't limit your quest to one denomination. Seek out financial help from as many churches as you know of in your neighborhood. Also if you find out what township you reside in, you can ask for financial help from your township supervisor. Your county you reside in has many options for helping the poor. Find out where your county's courthouse buildings are and visit them to find out about public aid. You will have to fill out paperwork but you will not be turned down if you follow their instructions. Please go to as many churches as you are able and ask to talk to one of the pastors at each church. Churches are the backbone of helping the poor people of our country. Ask for prayer from these churches also. God and a relationship to Him is where to start and then ask that a pastor who has committed his life to serving God and others to please help you because you are destitute.

Answer 5

get her a sign and let her stand in front of wal/mart

Answer 6

maybe she should have stayed in India with her family.