My husband and I live in and take care of my mom who has moderate dementia and are looking for a sweet caring female to come over Mon - Fri for a few quality time hours with mom every day. I am pretty much the sole caretaker of my mom and rarely have respite time or quality time with her between a full time job and taking care of the house, cooking, driving, etc. I've been doing this for over 10 years and need help. We are also looking for a well referenced care giver who can stay with mom when we are able to get away for work vacation time, with one coming up in late August. I love my mom very much and we are very close so it's tough for me to ask for help but for me to be the best care taker it's time I have a little help. Any references would be greatly appreciated. We live in the San Diego, CA area.
Thanks.
Very young caregivers just didn't work. My parents and they could not relate at all.
I found a great lady. She came over to the house a couple times and got so my parents could get to know her. When I wanted to hire her...I called the agencies and explained this was the lady...and only her. They should hire her if they wanted to keep my business. They did. Later I met her stepdaughter... she now also fills in.
These two ladies have become like family.
I think you should cast a net wide among your friends and social circles.
There are so many things to consider. I might check with an agency. I know that a few years ago, when I was searching for someone to help with a LO who had mobility problems due to a fracture, I tried to get a private person for a few hours per day. I got a list from the local Senior Center of private caregivers. I must have called over 40 people and none of them were available. Everyone was tied up with other jobs. It was pretty incredible. I learned then that it's not easy to find a good independent, in-home care provider. They are in high demand.
The cost varies by region. Maybe, someone can chime in about that. I'm located in NC, but, not near Charlotte.
I think I might check into a facility that offers daily care on their premises. That way, there would be meals, activities and social interaction while your mom is there, plus medical support if she were to need it.
If you decide to hire someone independently, I'd get legal advice on preparing a written contract that covers the many issues that could arise, including taxes and insurance.
I hope it works out well for you both.
If you're looking for some time here and there, what about an adult day care center? You could sign mom up for a day or two a week? That would get you some "me time" every week, which is very important.
-Ben