I live in Ga. I'm my mama caretaker I had to quit my job 2 years ago my dad pass away i promise him I would take care of her my husband on ask and we can't make it on that I have fun my cc way up trying to help pay bills and buy groc for us and I'm the only kid Iive in Ga and i need some help and i don't know where to turn
Could you give us more information, such as how old is your mother and what are her medical issues that requires her to have someone live with her [I assume you live with her or her with you]?
Yes, you promised Dad that you would take care of your Mother. The promise actually means for you to give your Mom the best care possible. That doesn't mean you lose your own retirement funds to help pay for her care. Grown children should NOT use their own money.
This is what you need to do, call your State Medicaid office, have Mom apply for medicaid. Depending on her medical condition she could qualify to be in a continuing care facility having 3 shifts of skilled Staff helping her, and Medicaid will pay for this care. And yes, you can still be her caregiver as overseeing her needs.
As FF mentioned, your mom has retirement monthly income - like her SS & maybe a pension as well. Mom can do a personal services contract between you & her in which she pays you for care & in turn you have a legit income and build up your own future SS benefit. What is mom doing with her monthly income and savings?
Really children spending thier own funds to keep their parent afloat & putting thier own employment on hold to caregive is a future disaster unless the kids have their own finances or job security that allows for this. If your mom is only 71, she is still very young & you are maybe in your 40's or early 50's.....imho you really need to be working a job so that you are building your income & future retirement. Mom could live another decade plus and you will be beyond worn out at that point.
I'd suggest you have a clear conversation with moms weekly home health agency as to what in their experience is the likihood of mom getting into a NH and on Medicaid. If it seems feasible, then speak with an elder law atty to figure out how to time this so that any spend down or waiting to enter a NH is done to benefit mom best and ensure your ability to get the estate recovery caregiver exemption from medicaid if you are needing to inherit moms house.
It's a lot to deal with. You are overwhelmed. A good elder law atty. will be worth it to get things set up for mom & therefore for you as well. Remember to pamper your hubs too!