Has anyone tried something like this? My mother is 93 and has some dementia including very poor short-term memory. She is in good health otherwise but has had two falls. We really need a qualified person to be there at night in case of emergency.She doesn't need help with much else except taking medication.
There is an extra bedroom in the house plus another room a live-in person could use for storage or hobbies etc. And the house is in a nice area.
This hypothetical person would be able to have a day job and this would be preferable since we wouldn't be able to pay much.
Have any of you done or tried to do anything like this? How much would you pay someone who didn't actually have to do much and have free room and board? How to screen people?
I am sure this person exists - its a matter of finding her.
Any ideas, comments, most gratefully received!

As one who had aides for many years I can say most were good and honest.But do not assume they are all as such.Their are some who will try to pull the wool over your eyes, and with the biggest smile and great personality.
Just stay sharp and aware of them.
I have had my aides tell me of full time caregivers who do nothing but watch TV and talk on the phone and make decent money.
How they sleep at night is beyond me.
I had a young aide who was only 21.She was so good with my husband.
Some put in time and that shows.
Also most of the aides do not have the time of day for the bad ones.The word gets around if you ask enough questions.
Too many times aides and companions have been fired but no one will give them a bad report.Afriad they could be sued for deflamation of character.Always someone that will take up their cause.Even though I am no longer a caregiver I continue to find out waht people think of various hospitals , etc.
The agencies have problems keeping help so they do nt always do a thorough check.
In all the years I had help I had 4 bad ones.That is a good percentage of good ones we had.
The bad ones are manipulators and know how to play you.Be aware at all times.When the cats away the mouse may play.

Hi Moms_Buddy. I completely agree with you, there is no way to get 100% security with any stranger coming into your home. There are ways to minimize it, and we try to do that as best as possible. We have a few agencies here in Houston that contract CGs out, but that is becoming more difficult to find since definitions of 'employee' and 'contractor' in the state of Texas have be more defined and regulations regarding the two have become more strict. Other states may have these services available so Salamander, you may want to try to locate one of those. Good luck with your search! There are some really wonderful CGs out there!

Welcome, L82Boy. It's good to hear from folks who work in this field. For many of us, having a reputable agency screen caregivers is well worth the extra cost of pre-employment screening and training. Sure, one can find an suitable person from other sources, but the chances of finding a pro who has been vetted and is dedicated to their work is far greater through an agency than via the classified ads in the newspaper. Likewise, there are crooks and idiots that slip through the cracks of any system (just look at our government!), so an agency cannot guarantee that every employee of theirs will be the perfect caregiver, but it's a much safer bet.

Hi all. New to this forum but really like it. I am the co-owner of a CG agency in Houston and we work with people regarding live-ins. Our goal as an agency is to help people rather than making money so we also refer our caregivers to positions like these. You might want to check with your local agencies and see if they do this type of 'referral' and have anyone available. As agencies we have to do criminal background checks, reference checks and some of us even do drug screening. Some agencies will help, others will not, but always worth a try though. Remember, always interview the potential CG yourself. We have employed CG's who would have loved to have a night time position like this.

Welcome Salamander. BG mentioned a case where the "live in" went to her own quarters when the agency staff was on duty. Note, this is still 24/7 duty or close. As MB says, a condition of dementia and a history of falls really require you to seriously consider 24/7.

If you can find a live in who is qualified, that person will still need relief. You think they can work all day else where and be on call all night, uhh, not safe for either one.

You haven't mentioned the cause or level of the dementia. While it does make a difference in the level of care needed, you can never know yesterday what you should have known this morning, when you find yourself in the ER tonight. Sooner or later, you will be a day late and a dollar short. As much as all of us would like to spare you, we've all been there. It would seem that the steps it takes to prevent something, always follow the "incident".
It is called being new to the game. Every single day brings something new. Each day, most of us find we are NEW to today's game.


TORP mentioned alarms, there are "baby" monitors, many avenues to persue, but all must be maintained, and NOTHING is a substitute for "hands on" in a case like this.. (dementia, falls). Preventing a fall when possible is so much better than answering the beeper after they are down. (please read the threads about falls
http://eldercare.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5506016051/m/5071083034

http://eldercare.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5506016051/m/9441066924

I have printed these threads and reread them often. I hope they will serve you as well as they have served me. It scares me to say, but I know a 95 yearold lady who seems clear of mind, and still drives. She lives in a group home. Uses her cane only to navigate steps. 6 months ago, I saw her at the gas station pumping her own gas into her car.

Do you know the cause of your Mom's dementia??? What other health problems does she have? Mom doesn't have AD, but she has macular degeneration, severe hearing loss, and extremely severe arthritis, hands , feet, and shoulders.. Preventing even the least "wobble", has become a mission of late. If her balance shifts, she can sprain, pop, crack...

Welcome Salamander!

quote:

93 and has some dementia including very poor short-term memory. She is in good health otherwise but has had two falls

Very poor short term memory and dementia are reasons that someone needs to have asistance 24/7. While your mom may seem capable of caring for herself, short term memory issues and dementia, not to mention her advancing age and fall risk strongly suggest that she should be supervised 24/7. There are live-in folks and many agencies who deliver many different types and levels of care. Just be SURE that you get an individual with well-established references (and CHECK every reference given) and professional credentials AND someone who is familiar with dementia patients.

Best of luck in finding the right balance of care for her!

As a matter of fact I had a patient who had a live in CG who stayed with this woman during the night she actually stayed on the property in a seperate house during the day when I was there.
There are people out there that are knowledgeable in this area of care what you need to do is put an ad in the paper asking for a CNA who needs a place to stay "Live in" and you also need to get at least 3 references from this person please be extremely cautious and DO call the references if and when you decide to do this.
The rate of pay varies from state to state and caregiver to caregiver.
The CG that I worked with made $850 a month here I reside in California.
All groceries/essentials/bills were bought and paid for by the family.