Dignity in old age: caring for Fatima

I'm caring for my mother, who's 86. After a stroke last September Fatima can no longer manage alone. A nursing home would cost far more than we have, and Fatima desperately wants to stay at home. I work 50 hours a week and have cut back to look after her, but we need a part-time carer. Fatima worked all of her life as a farmer, and raised 2 children. Now we're trying to give some of that care back. Medication, a hospital bed and a carer for four months will make a huge difference. The carer will be employed through a registered agency and paid directly. I'll share the agency invoices. Where the $550 goes: • Part-time carer (four months): $320 • Medication and prescriptions: $125 • Hospital bed and mattress rental: $40 • Mobility aids and bathroom adaptations: $65 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support. - Idris