Any financial aide for respite care in MN or tips on private pay?

Ingrid18

Are there any aide, grants, or scholarships out there that can help pay with at-home respite care or companion care? 

I've tried the Senior Link Age link for MN and the County.  They have low income requirements to qualify. I also tried Hilarity for Charity. There is nothing for the local Alzheimer chapter either. When she lived in ND she was receiving aide through a local program that was funded by the Older American Act, but I don't think that exists in MN.

If we have to go the private pay route, do you know the rates and places that can help with that? Any suggestions on what we can do? She needs someone to come in a few hours, few times a week, to help her with her day to day tasks like going for walks, making simple recipes, playing a game, coaching her to do cleaning tasks. She can do most things but needs someone to remind her what she wants to do and the steps to do it.

feudman

Welcome to the forums, Ingrid. 

I've found that the best places to inquire about such programs (besides the Alz Assn) are your local Office/Agency on Aging, and local support groups, by joining or just asking the facilitator. Most grant programs align with individual day care facilities, and you can ask the most convenient ones about any current ones. I found one that waived their rates if I supplied an aide to come along (which I paid for).  You might also look into Medicaid programs for non LTC status. It's always good to be aware of Medicaid qualification requirements & plan accordingly (perhaps with professional help).

Best wishes to you.

Amymv

Hi Ingrid, 

Are you in the metro area in Minnesota?  I am asking because my mom passed away in June and I am feeling called to help those with companion care on a part-time basis.  I have commitments here at home still, so I could help out every other week for a few hours. I am not sure if there is a way for us to connect privately on this forum.  If you are interested and we live near each other, maybe it could work?

Ingrid18

Thank you. That is very kind of you. Unfortunately my mother is not.

Amymv

Well, I do hope things will work out for you!! Hang in there!