Alternative or unconventional Elder Care options?

Jebediah Simpson

Considering how ridiculously expensive nursing homes, assisted living, and HHA can be, I'm trying to collect information on alternative, or unconventional elder care options. Day programs aren't an option as when we pulled up and he saw the giant sign reading "Adult Day Care", he got so upset /offended he stormed down the street and it took 45 minutes to get him back in the car - we were 10 miles from home. After all, he's a grown man, and day care is for children.

A live-in situation similar to an Au Pair but for elder care would be ideal. Has anyone heard of a service or agency through which foreigners can be sourced to provide domestic help? Or have any other suggestions? 

I found this:

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/us/01aides.html

and this:

https://www.aupair.com/find_aupair.php?quick_search=search&language=en

and this:

https://www.greataupair.com/senior-care-for-hire/  

sandwichone123

I've considered offering housing to a nursing or social work student in exchange for limited care, with some flexibility in expectations/pay. Due to the nature of students, though, it would be temporary (1-3 years, maybe, at best).

LicketyGlitz

Hey Jebediah, we did a p/t live-in that we private hired after having not such great experience with agencies. We set up with a payroll company, and saved some money from memory care while getting to keep Mom at home.

We put out an ad and hired that way, not through sourced domestic help agency.

Also, don't discount a respite center just yet. My mom absolutely balked when we first took her to one because she was too high functioning at the time. A couple of years later when the disease progressed we found three wonderful ones in our area that kept her socialized and active, but yeah, the first time was an epic fail! So keep that in your back pocked because it may be a great solution down the road.

RanchersWife

We have a tiny house next to ours. We live in the country with no zoning rules/laws whatsoever. It has paid for itself 3 times in 4 years. We have a full time caregiver who comes now. My husband sleeps in the tiny house and I over weekends. It worked well during earlier stages when my LO could be alone but needed support and companionship. We’ve gone from the equivalent of assisted living to 24/7 care in 4 years. It cost $50k to buy the house and get septic, water and electric set up.

Cyndisaunt

We use Gusto to pay the caregivers as household employees which has been great and only $50/month... worth every penny to not have to figure out how to fill out the tax forms. 

We hired privately by posting an ad with the school that has a masters program for Social Work. We only get to keep the caregiver for 1 - 2 years at a stretch, but so far the caregivers have allowed us to keep our LO living independently. 

Good luck

Cyndi