Looking ahead a few months

[gettingby]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.

[retiredguy123]

It sounds like it will be difficult and expensive to find the right person for a full time job. You could find a good person and they could quit the first month. A service would be more dependable, but even more expensive. Have you considered an assisted or independent living facility? I think the biggest challenge in The Villages is trying to arrange transportation and medical care and maintaining a house. It's not like a big city with respect to access to services. You can't even call a taxi when you need one. Just my opinion. Good luck.

[Two Bills]

Agree with retiredguy.
Assisted living, would be the most efficient, and probably work out cheaper in the end, if you do not have to buy two houses for the parents.
But.
Assisted living here has been hit hard in TV and surrounding area from Covid, many residents have died.

[davem4616]

You shouldn't have a huge problem arranging for house cleaning services...a few of our neighbors contract for that....and I would guess that for a little extra they'd wash and throw the laundry into the dryer....doubt that they'd hang around to fold and put it away.
The rest of the support needs that you mention will be difficult to outsource....so it'll fall on you.

Factor in arranging for new doctors, grocery shopping and you being the taxi shuffling them back and forth and you're not going to have much of a life. You say that you'll all be living separately....so you'll also be signing up for managing 3 households.

IMHO you're taking on much more than you are going to be able to do. I agree with the previous posts that you should seriously look into independent or assisted living. Put a realistic plan together that allows you to oversee and manage the support services they need (which will increase over time) and personally give them the love and special care that will enrich their lives.

[Dan9871]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.

There are a lot of companies in The Villages that provide the services you are looking for. Just search for "home care near the villages"

I'm not sure how one person could do meal service for two homes unless the sets of parents ate together or had fixed, staggered meal times.

I'm don't see how one person could provide those services seven days a week.

I don't have a feeling for what the overall cost would be. At one time I had my designer home cleaned weekly and it was around $150 with tips for the cleaners, a week. So, for just cleaning, that works out to around $14000 a year for two homes. That tells me that for the full services you are looking for, for two homes, it would be a lot more than that, but I'm pretty sure it would cost less than assisted living facilities would.

It would be good to look at assisted living facilities just to get an idea for a ceiling on costs to provide the services you are looking for.

There are a lot of good, enterprising people that provide all kinds of services around The Villages. I don't know how you would find them or determine if they were qualified and reliable enough, to provide the services you want.

Sounds like a great thing you are doing for your parents. I have one neighbor who is doing something similar but doesn't need all the services you do.

[Stu from NYC]

You shouldn't have a huge problem arranging for house cleaning services...a few of our neighbors contract for that....and I would guess that for a little extra they'd wash and throw the laundry into the dryer....doubt that they'd hang around to fold and put it away.
The rest of the support needs that you mention will be difficult to outsource....so it'll fall on you.

Factor in arranging for new doctors, grocery shopping and you being the taxi shuffling them back and forth and you're not going to have much of a life. You say that you'll all be living separately....so you'll also be signing up for managing 3 households.

IMHO you're taking on much more than you are going to be able to do. I agree with the previous posts that you should seriously look into independent or assisted living. Put a realistic plan together that allows you to oversee and manage the support services they need (which will increase over time) and personally give them the love and special care that will enrich their lives.

Agreed but something else to consider.

As your parents age they will need more and more help and at some point they will probably need some sort of assisted living arrangements.

Would it be better to go right into it immediately?

Best of luck to you as you figure this all out.

I do think that finding people to help take care of your parents is possible this place has bred all kinds of businesses.

[gettingby]

You shouldn't have a huge problem arranging for house cleaning services...a few of our neighbors contract for that....and I would guess that for a little extra they'd wash and throw the laundry into the dryer....doubt that they'd hang around to fold and put it away.
The rest of the support needs that you mention will be difficult to outsource....so it'll fall on you.

Factor in arranging for new doctors, grocery shopping and you being the taxi shuffling them back and forth and you're not going to have much of a life. You say that you'll all be living separately....so you'll also be signing up for managing 3 households.

IMHO you're taking on much more than you are going to be able to do. I agree with the previous posts that you should seriously look into independent or assisted living. Put a realistic plan together that allows you to oversee and manage the support services they need (which will increase over time) and personally give them the love and special care that will enrich their lives.

We’ve been doing this for the last 9 years and we owned/ran a business too. In early 2011 I moved my two 85/88 aunts from Tennessee, one with alzheimer's. Purchased them a house a few doors down from us and they lived there 5 years. Yes it’s getting more demanding however we are retiring and will have more time.

[snhmhg]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.
I would be interested in speaking with you. I am a 63 yr old healthy, active newly retired from local government administration (4 yrs ago) and am looking for something with a bit flexible schedule. I am very friendly, was a hospice volunteer for 8 years and took care of my own stepfather for 20 years, until he transitioned to assisted living, nursing care and he passed two years ago. Feel free to call or text 352-303-6779, Susan, to discuss if I would be a good fit. Maybe this is the position I have been praying for?

[acornhome]

My parents moved here 18 yrs ago. My mother moved to independent living at Sumter Senior Living on 466A, 5 years ago after my father passed. Probably the best thing she could have done for herself and peace of mind for myself and siblings. There has not been one case of COVID there yet. There has been issues -ie management company has changed hands three times - but I believe it’s still the best solution for her. Not cheap either but she deserves it:). I personally would look into independent living situations. Best wishes for a smooth transition to TV.

[sjpdjp]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.
I suggest American House, Independent Living, reasonably priced. 5 Star quality, my father loves it there. 466a and Powell Rd.

[J1ceasar]

my wifes brother watched his wifes parent for years , then bought them a one way ticket to Florida and an assisted living home..

We had a woman come to be with my mom for several years - all day long.

I am sure you can find someonee to assist you full time for a 9-5 job , pay well once you find some one. They will stay if none of the parents are alzemers already. Even better if you let some one live in one of the homes . particularly a college student . There are also a lot of former RNs/ nurses here to help out reasonably.

Again , there is FREE taxis to healthcare if Medicaid . there is Paid shopping for food - Walmart, insta cart . etc .. the only thing is to make sure the calendar is correct on doctors - some make you wait 1 hour .

Also suggest you check out assisted living places in advance so if some thing happens you know where you WANT them .

good luck and bless you for the care your giving back to your parents.

[MandoMan]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.

It’s easy to arrange this through a service that supplies people like this. My girlfriend’s mom is 85, recently survived COVID-19 (her husband died of it), and she has dementia that necessitates either being somewhere that specializes in it or having help at home. My girlfriend is getting prices at really appalling places of $10,000 a month in New Jersey and Pennsylvania! At present, she and her brother are hiring a woman to be a companion for the mom at home. She doesn’t have to clean, but she may have to help her shower or wipe, and she has to listen to endless questions, the same ones over and over. These women get paid $15 to $20 an hour.

From what I’ve heard, lots of house-cleaners are really hurting these days because they have lost most of their customers. They really need the work. It might be quite possible to hire someone full time for $20 an hour who would go to two houses and do a little cooking and cleaning and personal care help. Don’t forget that you need to pay Social Security and keep records and everything. A steady job is much appreciated. If you are paying directly to the person, that puts a lot more money in her pocket. If your parents happen to be really nice people who don’t treat “the hired girl” like dirt, that helps a lot, too. If your parents see this as an employee who should be sweating all day long, good luck. If a cleaning service can come in with a couple people and get $150 for a total of four hours of work—$35 an hour each—without having to talk to people or cook or help them get dressed, why work for $20 an hour unless the work is pretty light and the conditions nice?

So, eight hours a day, five days a week, at least $25 an hour with Social Security, comes to $200 a day, $1,000 a week, $4,000 a month, $52,000 a year. A great many people would be VERY happy to work for that. I suspect that an assisted living facility for four People would be much more expensive. Three or four times more.

[Jewelz]

Here is another thought: Would it be possible to buy one house for them and they can all live there? Then you would only have to hire one housekeeper and one person to help with personal care and cooking. You definitely need to have a plan in place with a facility in case one of them takes a turn for the worse instead of scrambling to find a place.

[Hermit]

I have no advice. But ,I am warmed to hear of people who want to care for their parents, especially both sets. Kudos to you for caring. Good luck with your research.

[retiredguy123]

It’s easy to arrange this through a service that supplies people like this. My girlfriend’s mom is 85, recently survived COVID-19 (her husband died of it), and she has dementia that necessitates either being somewhere that specializes in it or having help at home. My girlfriend is getting prices at really appalling places of $10,000 a month in New Jersey and Pennsylvania! At present, she and her brother are hiring a woman to be a companion for the mom at home. She doesn’t have to clean, but she may have to help her shower or wipe, and she has to listen to endless questions, the same ones over and over. These women get paid $15 to $20 an hour.

From what I’ve heard, lots of house-cleaners are really hurting these days because they have lost most of their customers. They really need the work. It might be quite possible to hire someone full time for $20 an hour who would go to two houses and do a little cooking and cleaning and personal care help. Don’t forget that you need to pay Social Security and keep records and everything. A steady job is much appreciated. If you are paying directly to the person, that puts a lot more money in her pocket. If your parents happen to be really nice people who don’t treat “the hired girl” like dirt, that helps a lot, too. If your parents see this as an employee who should be sweating all day long, good luck. If a cleaning service can come in with a couple people and get $150 for a total of four hours of work—$35 an hour each—without having to talk to people or cook or help them get dressed, why work for $20 an hour unless the work is pretty light and the conditions nice?

So, eight hours a day, five days a week, at least $25 an hour with Social Security, comes to $200 a day, $1,000 a week, $4,000 a month, $52,000 a year. A great many people would be VERY happy to work for that. I suspect that an assisted living facility for four People would be much more expensive. Three or four times more.
I don't think assisted living for 4 people (2 rooms) would cost anywhere close to 3 or 4 times as much as buying and maintaining two houses and paying an additional $52,000 per year for additional help. With the houses, you need to buy the house, pay all the costs associated with taxes, insurance, amenities, utilities, maintenance, repairs, lawn work, etc. And, you have to include the cost for meals. An assisted living facility includes all of these expenses, two people can share a room, and the monthy cost is based on the level of care each person needs. I would think that, if these people could live in their own house, they could live in an assisted living facility with a minimum level of care, especially since they will be able to help each other with personal care.

[KRM0614]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.
Please please do this in advance there is a lot of shady characters here ! No you can’t trust the business here. Amount of fraud down here is as large as the population. You will need to do a background check licensed !

Please be very careful

[FutureFloridian]

Bless you for being a part of both sets of your parents' lives. I haven't read through the entire thread, so I'll apologize in advance if this has already been mentioned.

Have you considered the implications of bringing caregivers in during Covid? It's likely that anyone you hire is going to be coming and going, possibly between other clients.

An elderly friend passed due to Covid. He (and his companion) contracted the virus from an asymptomatic caregiver from a reputable nursing service who was coming in twice weekly to assist his companion who was recovering from hip surgery. His companion passed as well.

I wish you and both sets of parents all the best and hope that you find a solution that works for everyone.

[newchapter]

Buying one house for both sets of parents is a very good suggestion (assume both sets get along) for a multitude of reasons. Financially speaking, there would be one of everything, instead of double, such as house payment, utilities, bond, amenities fee, one housekeeper/in-home care person, etc., etc., etc. If you hire in-home care, definitely have security cameras installed to monitor their care. Good luck to you and yours!

[llaran]

I feel the upside of assisted living living is companionships', make friends, have things to do with others.

[NavyVet]

I am just going to guess that you are in your 50's or 60's. That would make the 2 sets of parents possibly in their 80's? I have experienced taking care of elderly parents who were declining both in physical health and cognitively. As they become more needy, their care will take over your lives; it is too much for one person or even 2 people to manage full time w/o professional help. I can't imagine that independent or assisted living would cost that much more than buying and maintaining TWO homes plus hiring housekeepers and home health aides for cooking and helping with ADLs. There are several very good facilities in the area with beautiful apartments, restaurant style meals, and activities and staff who monitor medication, check on them, render assistance, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, transport them to appointments, etc. Caregiving is a huge undertaking for 1 parent let alone 4. It is something to carefully consider. Are you prepared to be on call 24/7? What if one of them falls? Here is some info that could help to determine what level of care is needed.

THE 6 ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING:
1. Eating Able to feed oneself
2. Bathing Able to bath/shower, brush teeth, and groom
3. Getting Dressed Able to dress and undress
4. Mobility Able to sit, stand, and walk
5. Continence Able to control bladder and bowel functions
6. Toileting Able to get to and from the toilet and clean oneself

Hope this helps! Time to do some research. Best of luck.

[MandoMan]

We will soon be moving into TV, most likely Bradford. Coming with us but in separate houses will be both sets of parents. Both are amazing but do need help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and some personal care. Our thoughts are looking for one full time person to split their days between the two homes. My question is do people like this exist? I am cross posting this in an effort to find somebody as early as February-March timeframe.

A friend of mine on Facebook who lives in The Villages posted this this afternoon. I guess it is someone he knows.

Responsible, caring Senior Homemaker / Companion

Available for home visits

Include:

* Companionship & support

* Shopping and Errands

* Transportation to appointments

* Meal prep

* Light Housekeeping

* Relief for family members

Many years of professional experience with dementia

Contact Jan McKean @ 352.459.6970 or text....

[marvinh11791]

I am still living in New York, Long Island (someday in TV). Have you considered Medicaid? Medicaid has a program called 'Community Medicaid' that allows the recipient to stay in their homes and receive care. There are services in NY that act as an agent to obtain Community Medicaid. One is called 'Freedom Care'. I don't know if Florida offers the same medicaid services as NY, but it may be worth looking into. Best wishes. MarvinH