Costs of care

The cost of taking care of a loved one with dementia is high. The American healthcare system is unlikely to be much help.

Long term care insurance might provide the bandaid to expenses. I don’t know the cost to benefits analysis of buying this insurance; I didn’t have it.

When your person gets ill, you will need aides to help with care. I have said that I considered having companion care for Burt – from the get-go – existential. You have to take care not only with your person, but of yourself.

Home health care is a major cost for you when your person has dementia.

In our case, had Burt lived, his care would have been covered by Medicaid. We were going to get 24 hour aides, and hospice was also coming to help with his care.

I was advised to see an elder care attorney and set up a financial plan as early in the journey as is possible. I advise you to do so as well.

Your state is likely to have a group of eldercare lawyers; NYS’s bar association has a list, for ex.

My resources page offers links to associations that will help guide you early in your journey. Please ask about elder lawyers when  you consult.

I am adding a new resource I just heard about,  Hilarity for Charity which also offers stipends to caregivers, and information.

See if there is a social worker in your neurologist’s office. Find support groups. Talk to people (offline) you meet in the groups.

Reach out for advice everywhere all the time.