I thought of becoming a caregiver

[JackieOnLine]

taking care of my Mom was the last time I felt really useful in an ongoing way. (at it's best, I would briefly have that feeling at my old job) in fact, I think I would be doing it already as a live-in if I didn't have dogs. it doesn't pay well, of course, since it is a traditionally female job.

meanwhile, I need to somehow team up with SOMEbody - so I have been reading CL ads for roommate wanted. I just can't continue to rent a big ass house by myself, it's stupid.

I used to subscribe to The Caretaker Gazette (in fact, I first started getting it when there was ONLY a paper copy) and the jobs offered there are stunning in their variety so it makes for fascinating reading. but what people need (handy, or a couple where one of you is handy) is not what I have.

I keep putting off any job hunt while it's so hot. just an excuse!


this blog about caregiving is very good The Unprepared Caregiver

 

[southernlady]

Good luck in deciding which direction to go.

 

[JackieOnLine]

thanks, Liz.

360 degrees of options, which way will I turn!

 

[southernlady]

thanks, Liz.

360 degrees of options, which way will I turn!

Make that 359 degrees...you don't want to turn around and go the exact same direction. All that will do is make you dizzy.

 

[DianaCox]

The West Valley of Phoenix is lousy with people trying to stay in their retirement homes ... just sayin' ....

 

[JackieOnLine]

The West Valley of Phoenix is lousy with people trying to stay in their retirement homes ... just sayin' ....

oh, I'm sure. so was the Rogue Valley (OR) and now Carson City. there are TONS of people who need help, I have a ton of experience, it all should work out, right?

I'm not handy but I totally get OLD and - especially - all that can go wrong.

I feel like a I have lot to give, if that's not too touchy feel-y. and even if it is!

 

[Munchkin]

Doing the butt wiping and all the nasty stuff pays zip. BUT...I have been thinking a concierge service might just be a going concern. You could shop for people, pick up prescriptions. Open and close up houses for snowbird type people who don't want to spend the first day of their vacation shopping. Walk their dog or take him to the vet. Find someone to do/supervise repairs. Almost anything!

I think if you transport people you do have to get special/different insurance.

 

[Munchkin]

My H's cousin in Texas does this and works for an agency so I checked with her and the pay is no better than fast food! Around $10 per hour.

 

[bearmom]

There is nothing but increasing demand as the boomers enter senior years, so it seems like increasing demand would help with wages . I try to follow these issues not just because I'll need to do something, but my mom is 90, and needs more help by the day. I know there are programs that set up college students with seniors just need someone around and only minor stuff, but know a few older folks that are "right there" needing extra help and seem irrationally resistant to the idea.

When I'm 90 and thinking of a roomie, I think I'd prefer a somewhat older roomie than a college student. It would be nice to feel like the need for cheap housing wasn't 100% of the reason for them to room, and that an older person might be more inclined to chat about relevant stuff, and perhaps be a bit more capable with real life experience. I still keep in my mind that I'd like to set up co-housing some day for multiple people, and we can just hire who/what we need as the group needs change.

The few times I've worked with elderly or disabled folks, I ended up getting very attached, with lifelong friendships. It's rewarding work, but you sure don't do it for the pay.

 

[JackieOnLine]

When I'm 90 and thinking of a roomie, I think I'd prefer a somewhat older roomie than a college student. It would be nice to feel like the need for cheap housing wasn't 100% of the reason for them to room, and that an older person might be more inclined to chat about relevant stuff, and perhaps be a bit more capable with real life experience. I still keep in my mind that I'd like to set up co-housing some day for multiple people, and we can just hire who/what we need as the group needs change.

yes, exactly! I might end up being someone to hire (I have made terrible decisions about money all my life) rather than being in the group, but, STILL.

I checked with her and the pay is no better than fast food! Around $10 per hour.

yes, just like with infant/child care, some of the more important work is the worst paid.

 

[JackieOnLine]

Doing the butt wiping and all the nasty stuff pays zip.

true, I am still willing to do it. lots of people just need supervision: people can cont to live alone with dementia (or as half a couple) but with a bit of help. big bonus: help keep people keep out of nursing homes! I would be doing this already, I think, except for my dogs.

you know what else pays zip? veterinary technician - a job I looked into because it's a two year degree like the one I ended up with in Occupational Therapy. would cost (very roughly) the same but 1/3 the wages.

I need to be a lot more practical than I've been.

 

[bearmom]

yes, exactly! I might end up being someone to hire (I have made terrible decisions about money all my life) rather than being in the group, but, STILL.




yes, just like with infant/child care, some of the more important work is the worst paid.

I wonder too if there may be room for some middle ground if your with a like minded group. Like, I can cook (theoretically, anyway) and help someone with hair washing or different things that I'm still able to do, but I'm starting to hire others to do certain things like yard work. I think everyone would pay into the pot, and some may get paid back out of the pot if they are providing some services. Because care is expensive to pay for, and the caregiver gets very little, I'm also VERY interested in finding a way to eliminate the middle man of some company making money off both sides.

 

[Munchkin]

I wonder too if there may be room for some middle ground if your with a like minded group. Like, I can cook (theoretically, anyway) and help someone with hair washing or different things that I'm still able to do, but I'm starting to hire others to do certain things like yard work. I think everyone would pay into the pot, and some may get paid back out of the pot if they are providing some services. Because care is expensive to pay for, and the caregiver gets very little, I'm also VERY interested in finding a way to eliminate the middle man of some company making money off both sides.

This is true... The people making the money are the agencies. They take advantage of the kind individuals willing to do that kind of work.

Beware of being an independent contractor. Your SS will go down every year you have to add in a zero!!!!