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My family is considering transitioning our mom to a live-in caregiver because it is time that she has someone in the house at night. We have two terrific people for 8 hours during the day that we will have to let go. I feel badly about it, but it is time to rethink my mother's care arrangements.



Our caregivers are not from an agency, they are paid daily by us. There is no contract. How much notice is appropriate to give them? Is it typical to give them severance?



Just curious how others have handled this. Thanks.

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Consider getting her into a nursing home months in advance of her running out of money. Make sure it accepts Medicaid. That puts her at the top of the waitlist rather than months to be accepted. If you wait to the end you do not get to choose the better places. She will just be placed in the first facility that has a bed.
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Just a two cents thought from my family’s past….we tried the live-in with my grandmother years ago and it was far harder than anticipated. One person who desired live-in was often someone who was running from some rotten life situation and then we still had to plan for her time off. It proved far less reliable than having several caregivers in home. I’d at least consider keeping the good helpers you have and adding another one or two to cover the additional hours
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Do you realize that a live-in does not do 24/7 caregiving. They work a 40 hr week with time off. You will need aides to fill in when the live-in is off duty. You may want to check the Labor Laws on what the laws are for live ins.

You could place Mom in an AL or LTC and spend down her money that way then transition into Medicaid. Just make sure the facility u choose takes Medicaid. Easier to get into a facility if you private pay.
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sp19690 May 2023
That sounds right and guarantees mom is moved into care and not playing games.
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I agree with sp, facility care may be the best way to fulfill her medical needs and the least expensive option.

If you prefer to have her in her home, you will need more than one person to fill this role.

Do you like the caregivers that you have now enough to speak to them about your situation?

You could give them the choice of remaining with the same schedule they have now or ask if they would like to switch to the overnight shift.

Then you could hire someone else for the remaining hours. You might even ask them if they have worked with other caregivers that may be interested in caring for your mom.

Best of luck in finding the best caregiving solution for your mother.
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Why isn't moving mom into a facility being considered now that she needs 24/7 care?
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Hothouseflower May 2023
Our plan is to apply for Medicaid and once we have that in place out her in a NH. But this could take time.
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Why don't you keep them instead of getting a live-in? Each one could work 8 hours a day. Add another caregiver for the night shift.

One live-in caregiver isn't going to be enough. She'll need days off, other time off, holidays, etc. It takes a team. You'll have to hire a relief caregiver or maybe two.

Home caregivers take a lot of management by somebody, and you're just getting started. Been there and done that (that's why I believe you're asking too much of one live-in), and good luck to you.
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Hothouseflower May 2023
It’s not possible, they both have other clients.
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Since you say they are terrific, I'd also offer along with whatever severance you can afford, to let them know you'll be happy to be a reference for them they can use for future employment. You may also want to actually write out a letter for them. Either one would work -- both would be great. Good luck.
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My fear with notice is that these great caregivers will panic and get another job. They are likely living paycheck to paycheck.

If you can, I would provide two weeks severance. They are going to need time to find another job. If you tell them you are exploring this option let them know you will provide them two weeks pay to find another job. But do know they may STILL panic. I sure would.
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Hothouseflower May 2023
in this area caregivers are in high demand. They definitely would be able to find another job relatively quickly.
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