Dignity in old age: caring for Katherine

I'm caring for my mother, who's 74. After a fall and hip fracture Katherine can no longer manage alone. A nursing home would cost far more than we have, and Katherine desperately wants to stay at home. I work 25 hours a week and have cut back to look after her, but we need a part-time carer. Katherine worked all of her life as a shopkeeper, and raised 3 children. Now we're trying to give some of that care back. Medication, a hospital bed and a carer for six 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 $800 goes: • Hospital bed and mattress rental: $170 • Mobility aids and bathroom adaptations: $170 • Medication and prescriptions: $460 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.