Hi:

I am new to this forum and am trying to see if non-medical oriented companies that can provide services like running to Dr appts, meal prep, yardwork, etc. exist. Everything I seem to find has a medical twist.

My father is 76 and just had 5-way bypass. He needs help around the house and transportation to run errands and to rehab. My Mother-in-law is 83, just had hip replaced and needs help around her house and yardwork, travel to the grocery and Dr appt.

Both of them live far away and just need a little assistance with daily chores.

If there are companies out there like this, anyone have a sense for how much they charge?
(In the Baltimore, MD / Washington DC area.

There is no way either of these two are considering a nursing home (not that they need it yet) now or later so trying to help them live at home as long as possible seems my only option.

Looking forward to hearing back with suggestions.

Welcome bmmrrrdad, in our area some of the fraternities or sororities from the junior college "adopt a grandparent". They don't so much help with daily things, but they might come and clean out the flower border or the garage, visit, help with groceries,,,that sort of thing. There are two different transportation services that specialize for the elderly or physically challanged and are wheelchair accessable. (Pricey, but if a regular taxi won't do..)

Mom has a yard guy that comes every other week. Mostly he just mows or helps me with spring and fall yard clean up work. $40 a trip and extra work is negotiable, he doesn't know anything much about the garden, but has all his own equipment for mowing, raking, insurance if something is damaged or if he gets injured.

Keep in mind that if someone comes for a couple of hours, they have all the same travel expenses and time as someone who comes for whole day, so expect they might charge more per hour (really important when gas is high). Ask neighbors, church members, civic organizations, anyone and everyone for housekeeper recommendations. Many people will do other chores than the ones you hire them for origionally.

If need someone daily and that someone will have access to the home, an agency probably is the best way to go but even with the promised background checks, no way is 100% safe and reliable.

There are other steps to check out besides a nursing home. There are senior communities and independent living communities, some of which have progressive levels. Usually there is a "buy in" fee and then monthly rates. Home maintenance is greatly reduced as well as yard work but there usually is a postage stamp yard and/or a community garden. People have their own vehicles or may use community transportation.

Options do exist. I say that, but,,,Mom is still in her own home though she has needed 24/7 for almost 5 years. Mostly she needs help with all activities of daily living and she also needs some nursing these days. I am close enough to do my part and keep an eye on everything. An aunt and uncle live in a progressive care community and love it.

Thanks All. This has been helpful.

I think that we were paying an agency about $12-15 per hour for this service. We chose an agency because they ran background checks, were bonded, insured, deal with the employers taxes and so forth. Plus they had the ability to call up a sub if, for any reason the primary carer was sick or otherwise unavailable.

Try looking under "housekeepers" or "homemakers".

Hi b!

Look up your County Dept of Aging website.

There will be tons of info on there.
Or you can call them and speak with a live person!

bmmrrrdad Welcome in
There are companies out there that do provide "non medical" assistance.
Do a search on "Home Care in Baltimore" I just did it and it comes up with a whole list of companies.
On the costs it is different for each person and company as well as the state in which they reside so our best advice to you would be to call them up and inquire.
In Cali companies charge anywhere from $24 an hour on up private care you hire outside a company may get $15 an hour on up it all depends.