Hi, I'm new. I am a caregiver for my fiance. He has congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease stage 4 about to start dialysis, diabetes which is tough to get under control, gastroparesis, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and other medical conditions. I am 51 and he will be 40 this year. We both are on disability so funds are scarce. He has a 10 year old from another marriage who lives with his mother. We live in Portland, ME and getting him to go to his doctors' appointments can be very challenging and frustrating. My 82 year old dad is now feeling better, but is coming to the end of his life at the same time. I do all of the housework and take care of medical paperwork. I was wondering if there was someone close to me in Portland who would be willing to give me support. He cancelled another appointment today because he was sick. He needs to start dialysis soon but he keeps cancelling appointments. Any suggestions?
Wow. No one has responded at all?
Sorry. I am nowhere near oyu, but I would suggest hitting the web. Look for church, charitable, and non-profits in your area that can help. Also check state and county services. I'm sure there are other places you can look, but once you get on a roll you should start coming across them.
Good luck and God bless!
Start with the physician or specialists team treating them. Like Smedley said, there are all kinds of social services that would be able to help in some manner. The specialist's office should have more info on that in your area. Palliative and hospice care too if needed. Also, support groups for you.
Helen you're not reading her message. She's not looking for a job!
I AM NEW TO CARE GIVING. MY GIRLFRIEND HAS LUNG CANCER. SHE JUST MOVED TO VIRGINIA FROM GEORGIA TO LIVE WITH ME. SHE HAD FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN GEORGIA , BUT I CAN NOT FIND A SIMI LIAR PROGRAM HERE IN VIRGINIA. SHE DOES NOT HAVE INSURANCE AND HAS NOT GOTTEN APPROVED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SO SHE CANT EVEN GET MEDICARE. SHE HAS GONE THROUGH CHEMO AND RADIATION ONCE AND THEN ANOTHER SET OF RADIATION TREATMENTS THAT CLEARED THE CANCER IN DECEMBER. NOW SHE IS GETTING SYMPTOMS AGAIN AND I AM HITTING BRICK WALL TRYING TO GET HELP IN THIS AREA. NEED ADVICE.