I am fast approaching some memory problems. My siblings are scattered across the country and will not be able to assist me in any way. I have a son nearby but I cannot rely on him to step up. I am 78 years old and independent still but I can see the hand writing on the wall. I live in a small isolated community and have to drive 30 miles to the nearest town so I only go once a week. I have a dear friend across from me but cannot rely on her either. What will I do and how will I be able to get assistance on a very limited income?
MUST have available space for privacy for each. But this can work out: my HM lives here for nothing in exchange for help. For those who have the space necessary. I recommend one of these senior
housesharing websites. They get b’gnd checks & provide you with their profiles of themselves. (E.G. anyone who lives with me HAS to like dogs!) Silvernest is only one of several of these homesharing sites: Try it; I found a great gal who likes to cook, garden & keep order! Good luck - we’re all going to need help at some point!
FF beat me to it, but I too was going to suggest you look up your local Area Agency on Aging and have a talk with them. Even if they don't have immediate answers to every question they will certainly be able to point you in the right directions.
Leaving aside the question of your good friend just for the moment, how would you feel about moving away from your community? How long have you lived there?
Later down the road, when you find you need help, be thankful we have Medicaid [which is different from Medicare] for those who are on a limited income. With Medicaid, if you need to move to a nursing home, Medicaid will pay for your room/board and care.
In between, check with your County Agency on Aging [or whatever it is called in your area] to see what is available right now. Being you are in a small isolated community, the availability of programs may be limited.
I commend you for thinking ahead. Just a thought, would you be able to budget to live in the town that is 30 miles away? I was thinking it may give you more options in regard to County programs. Any chance your dear friend and you could share an apartment to save money? Or would it be like Felix and Oscar?