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Post by kygal on May 12, 2007 17:28:59 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
Sorry I've not been around much lately but we just finished up tax season here and I did the bulk of it this year. My husband was recently let go from his job and he was the breadwinner of the family. With that, we've lost our benefits and other necessary things we need to function. He's presently on a round of two antibiotics (1 by IV) and we've had tests and doctor's appointments almost weekly.
My question is if anyone here works, either part- or full-time and if so, how do you manage getting your loved one to appointments, etc. I can't see trying to get any type of job and then having to ask to be off every week for doctor's appointments, etc. I really feel out of sorts about what to do about this but know we need the income. We also really need the benefits but know they aren't offered unless you work full-time somewhere and that's impossible right now.
Any suggestions or advice? I could really use some right now.
Thanks,
Mary
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Post by morningstar on May 12, 2007 18:55:58 GMT -5
Hi Mary,
Sorry to hear of your tough time right now. There are places to help you out there. Take a day when you are up to being told no many times and still ask after being told theres not. I have a service called Catholic Home Care Services it is based on income and need. I get 124 hours a month. Which works out to 6 hours a day most days. They do light house keeping , bathing, trips to doctor. Warming up a lite lunch. Something like that.
A good place to start is in your county welfare office you don't have to go in just call they have a list of all these places that provide services like this. I live in a very small town in West Virginia and there is 7 different groups here. I talked with them all for my mom and then when I ended up needing the same thing. I just went with them again.
Talk to your neighbors, family, friends your doctors, the hospital, if your husband uses o2 ask the service people.Anyone who is out and about houses where there is illness knows of these places. Call your governors office they also have a list of the places in your area. Now I know for me it was based on my health and our income. We pay but not like you would if you just hired someone.
Also in some areas there are places you can take your loved one to spend the day. Myself I didn't think this would be good for the COPD Patient because of colds and flus and we get sick so easy.
I hope this helps you some. I am sure Jackie or someone will know more as they deal with this more than I do. My prayers and best wishes to you and your family
Rosemarie
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on May 13, 2007 8:13:50 GMT -5
Mary; I'm not "the caregiver" but rather the "patient". Additionally I think our situation is quite different in several ways; one of which is that although my lung function is in the 30's, I'm still very active and able to get to where I need to go etc. My hubby (Dave) works part time (but no additional benefits there) plus he's with the local volunteer fire dept and they're only paid a sort of "annual honoraium" . We do have a small income beyond that however.
I really don't want to delve into your personal finances on an open forum (unless it's something you want); but are you or your hubby on CPP or disability or any assistance? You can send me a PM (private message ) or post it here.
Phil is probably in a similar situation as what you and your hubby are but it'll probably be weeks yet before he can give some input. What I'll do is add your query to today's tomorrow's "General Discussion" area. Hopefully someone, even just reading, will see and be able to supply some additional info.
This must be so difficult for you both.....maybe we can find some answers here that might be of help. Let's stay hoeful O.K.?
Jackie
One last point.....I'll be posting something; possibly later today, about a Roundtable Discussion upcoming with our MP re: the cost of meds for folks who can't affort it. It might be something you might want to read.
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Post by morningstar on May 13, 2007 11:04:51 GMT -5
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Post by kygal on May 13, 2007 19:54:51 GMT -5
Hi gals,
Thanks so much for your help and ideas. Morningstar, I do appreciate your tips for help. By the way, where in WV do you live? I grew up in northeastern Kentucky and lived there for 42 years! I'm now in southern Ontario so things are a little different here but some things are similar.
Having a caregiver is good except for when it comes to taking Doug to appointments, getting him in and needing to be there to hear what they're saying. Doug is so concerned, right now, with trying to get better and over all that's going on at the moment, that he doesn't hear half of what's said. I also need to take him directly to the door, get a wheelchair or walker, then go park the car, go back to get him, etc. I just can't see asking a new employer to give me the time off to do that. Also, some of our appointments might last 4-5 hours, depending on what's going on, and again, I can't ask for that kind of time off.
I hope I hear some other ideas or tips but am checking out all the things you sent me way and especially having a look around the entrepeneur website you sent. I do have a very teeny-tiny home business with health products but just haven't had the time or energy to devote to it lately. Unfortunately, if you don't work to build the business, it doesn't bring in much revenue.
Thanks again gals!
Mary
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2007 20:45:45 GMT -5
Hi KyGal,
Have you thought about trying to find a swing or graveyard shift job and that way you would be off during the day time when I am sure most of his appointments are. Just a suggestion as I don't know what kind of work you do.
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Post by cocojax on May 14, 2007 9:59:21 GMT -5
I had replied to the other thread, but I will paste it here. I don't know about getting any benefits without working, but I do know you can get help with your medications, either with your own physician or from the actual drug companies, so that might help with the costs of the actual drugs..maybe someone from your hospitals volunteer program can assist with taking him to his appointments.. Also are either of you veterans, because if you are you can get help from them..If you have any insurance policies see what they cover. I will try and do a little more research and if I can find anything else out I will post for sure...
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Post by cheryl on May 14, 2007 10:04:22 GMT -5
Kygal I know of a gentlemen that volunteers his time to drive people to appointments. There must be an organization of some kind. I'll e-mail him and see if I can find out more and post it. I don't know how south you are, but I'm in the burbs of Toronto.  |
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Post by kygal on May 14, 2007 16:18:26 GMT -5
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the info, I'm down in the Niagara region, between St. Catharines and Hamilton. My biggest problem with having someone drive him to appointments is that Doug doesn't remember even half of what they've told him at appointments and we're still trying to get to the bottom of all his problems. He's got an underlying thyroid problem, which the doctor says can throw a snag into things and he's also waiting to get into rehab in Hamilton. I really need to be there to get answers and know what direction to go. But, if you find out anything, let me know.
Thanks again,
Mary
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Post by kygal on May 14, 2007 16:21:36 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the suggestions. Probably the most sense would be for me to work the midnight shift somewhere, I did that years ago when I was a single mom and wanted to go to my boy's ball games in the evening. Basically, I'm a jack of all trades but the bulk of my work has been office work, which there aren't too many of them that work the midnight shift...  Thanks again, I'm keeping all these posts and remember how great the people are on here with their willingness to help. Hugs, Mary |
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Post by cheryl on May 16, 2007 18:47:45 GMT -5
Kygal My friend finally got back to me. It is called Community Care Durham and they actually have a website. I don't know, but perhaps they know of similar places in your area. The website has several contact addresses and phone numbers. www.communitycaredurham.on.ca/ |
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on May 20, 2007 7:19:12 GMT -5
Hi Kygal;
Just checking to see if you're making any progress....
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Post by kygal on May 20, 2007 20:56:28 GMT -5
Hi Blossom,
Most things I've looked into here are just relief type things for the caregiver. As I've said before, I really need to be at these doctor's appts. with hubby as he doesn't remember half what they say and we're finally maybe making a breakthrough with a hyperthyroid problem that's been masked for a year. That has to be addressed before even rehab is done. As for Doug's job, we met with a lawyer last week and he said his company had broken every Human Rights law in existence. Worst case scenario, they will put him on LTD with the company and we won't get anything extra. Best case, we might get that as well as some extra for his grief and suffering. I would bet my bottom dollar that his last relapse with infection was caused from the stress from all of this.
As for me working, I went to a party the other night for some really great spices, dips, etc. and the products were WONDERFUL! There are no distributors in my area and the gal that did the party was from Stratford and is running herself ragged trying to do parties down here. These are products that will sell themselves, they're all natural, gluten free, no preservatives and no MSG. They also are just starting a line of natural cleaning products and soaps and they also carry a small line of kitchen gadgets. The best part is that they're all very affordable and not like so many other companies you see these days. And, the good part is that the parties are tasting parties and who can resist that? ;D So, I'm looking into the company and praying about it to see what I should do. But, this might offer me a more flexible schedule where I could work things around appointments, etc. I'll keep you informed on things. And, if anyone would be interested in hearing about the company, I'd be more than happy to let you in on these products.
Hugs,
Mary
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Post by Blossom/Jackie W. on May 22, 2007 18:47:54 GMT -5
You're a dear Mary....and you might be on to something with your huby's infections lately...
And; if the other potential avenue gets you out and about and gives a bit of extra cash while still allowing you to be be able to oversee or help with hubby's needs; that's a good thing...
You should be able to rest a bit now......
Sleep well
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