Dignity in old age: caring for Lily

I'm caring for me, who's 78. After a diagnosis of dementia Lily can no longer manage alone. A nursing home would cost far more than we have, and Lily 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. Lily worked all of her life as a farmer, and raised 4 children. Now we're trying to give some of that care back. Medication, a hospital bed and a carer for three 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 $5,200 goes: • Part-time carer (three months): $3,950 • Medication and prescriptions: $740 • Hospital bed and mattress rental: $260 • Mobility aids and bathroom adaptations: $250 I'll keep this page updated with receipts as things happen.