| Hi Dillon, THAT is a loaded question because all our situations are highly different. Only you know how much you can afford. Or if you can get help paying through Medicare or Medicare. I'm 26 yrs post and have learned one thing. The work ethic since since the 1980s has changed dramatically and for the worse. I used to have nurses & aides (same ones) stay with me 6-7+ years. These days no one wants to work (I mean WORK) anymore and most are in it it for the money. But home care isn't a "college degree-needed" job so depending on many factors the AVERAGE pay seems to be $8/hr. The factors are: * Where one lives. I lived in the N. Virginia/D.C. Metro are for 18 months and EVERYONE there wants $25/hr!!! We had to move because we could find no help. * How much help YOU NEED AND WANT. The factors are endless really. But the other thing I've learned (THE HARD WAY) is that many people look for jobs like this to steal from the most vulnerable. I hired a guy privately and TRUSTED him. He knew how to steal w/o getting caught. A pro. NEVER let them out of your sight and/or keep any credit cards or money out of harms way. People can really lay on the charm, let you win their hearts and then steal you blind. ALWAYS GET REFERENCES. If I pay privately it's by check. We don't keep cash around the house. Having said that ... I've had some GREAT aides but they are few and far between these days. And they seem to burn out quickly despite the work not being THAT HARD and the pay VERY REASONABLE for what they do. If your income is low .. talk to a social worker. Do you go to a Church or know folks who do? Sometimes folks out there WANT such a job and they don't know where to find it. I'm sure others here will add more to answer your questions. Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 26 years post Tucson, AZ -------Original Message------- Date: 03/08/06 20:23:13 Subject: [QUAD-L] Hiring attendants or aides for your home Hi everyone
I would like to know what your experiences have been with personal-care attendants, how much you pay, how many hours and any other information you can provide.
I live alone with an elderly parent and I am completely dependent whether for personal-care, dressing, bathing, eating because of my high-level injury. How much does one pay a personal attendants if their main responsibilities are to put me in the chair, dressing, lunch and dinner and preparing meals about three times a week, no showers or bed Bath unless I experience and accidental Foley blockage in which I might get wet. There is very light housecleaning in which only my laundry and washing dishes is necessary. Now driving is needed for not anyway.
How many hours would you suggest an attendants should be around, all day, a few hours, a few days a week or Monday through Friday. Do you pay cash or check or even claim their work as an expense on your taxes?
I would appreciate in any information you can provide.
Dillon | 
