I said it before and I will say it again, it sucks to be old and/or disabled. I know this is a rough thing to say if you write a blog that deals with the elderly but that's how I feel right now.
I am thinking about my aunt and my mother n Florida and their situation. On one hand it is considered a blessing to reach your 70s and 80s. God forbid though if you are not in the best shape physically or mentally.
Nursing care costs are astronomical. You can pay over $80,000 to place a loved one in a nursing facility. Keeping them at home is not a lot better ether. Yeah, your loved one gets to stay in familiar surroundings but home aide agencies rape you in fees. My aunt has to pay about $81 a day out of pocket for her assistance PLUS an additional amount to the agency. This is not including food, diapers, gloves and other various items needed for her care.
My mother now pays a lady between $360-$420 per week for her care plus additional for diapers, etc.
For my aunt it is over $500 a week for the attendants alone. Over $2000 a month and over $24K a year. For my mother it is close to $16K a year.
For the both of them out of pocket. They are not eligible for Medicaid, but at the same time they cannot afford this. They also cannot go without the care. It's not like they can just tell the ladies to go home. They can no longer bathe themselves or cook. My aunt needs help in walking. And without assistance forget doctor visits.
Medicaid offers assistance but you have to be almost destitute. Why is there no assistance for the middle classed elderly?
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