Are there benefits for taking care of an elderly parent

by JO
(IL)

Hi,

I have been unemployed since 2005 & since I could not find any work I have been taking care of a mother with alzheimers. I was wondering if there are any benefits for me while taking care of her. I had to give up my Apt. and moved in with her so she wouldn't have to go to a nursing home. Naturally she had gotten worse over the yrs. and she needs me 24/7. She is with me wherever I go because she cannot be alone. I have to do everything for her and I constantly wonder how I will ever be employed again. It's not like I'm going to find anything soon since it has been since 2005 already since I have worked. I did look for work for over a yr after I was laid off & no success. So I just wondered if there are any benefits out there for me?



Hi Jo,
No, not as far as unemployment benefits go, but your question made me think of something.

I do remember seeing unemployment hearings from individuals who's benefits were in dispute because they quit a job. They went to work for homecare agencies to care for their parent and then quit when their parent passed away.

I suppose it has something to do with medicaid .. which I'm clueless about, but you might look into whether it's a possibility.