She can't walk on her prosthetic legs except with a walker and not far. She can drive now but can't get her wheelchair in and out of her car so she still needs an escort and the house is not handicapped friendly in places like the kitchen. I do the lion's share of cooking, shopping, housework, and yardwork; go with her to most of her Dr. visits and we have 7 cats! 4 are over 14 and they've been going to the vet a lot lately. I might be able to work part time soon but a little help for me now would be good. Taking care of ma is a reward in itself and we get to keep the property but I could use a few bucks to get some of my needs met. Clothes, dental work. Medicaid pays to pull teeth and get dentures but not fillings...go figure. I want to keep the teeth I have left!
I'm going to post what is in your profile because it is relevant info to your question:
"I had a heart attack while working in Dutch Harbor AK and had to move suddenly back to the lower 48. My dad had died the year before and my mom had three hernias fixed and she couldn't take care of the place. Plus she had peripheral artery disease and diabetes. She went through many, many angioplasties trying to keep circulation in her legs but they both developed gangrene and she lost both legs. I've been her constant helper, cook, shopper and chauffer ever since but it sure made it impossible to work. She still needs me but not like she did when she was losing her legs. She can't lift heavy things, like her wheelchair and she can't walk on her prosthetic legs. She finally had her car fitted with a hand control but she can't get her wheelchair in and out of it so she still needs help. I've done this so she wouldn't have to sell her home and find homes for our 7 cats. Not to mention assisted living is ridiculously expensive and drains the family's overall wealth even with Medicare. I can do with very little but it's three years before I can take early retirement. Is there a way family member can get compensated for caring for an aged and handicapped relative? I get Medicaid and food stamps but that is it."
Utilities will help discount services. As a Medicaid recipient Comcast has internet for $10. My nephew was able to get a refurbished laptop thru them for $150.
At 77 with already amputations, your Mom may decline. My GF was a child diabetic and had her leg amputated. Then she had kidney problems and dialysis. If it wasn't for the cats, I say sell the property. Buying something on one floor and easy to get around and keep up.
At 77 your