Finally! Help has arrived!

After much back and forth, December 1st marked the first day of active service through VNS. Now the 2 caregivers work 12 hours / day instead of 7 or 8. I can also add another 4 hours/ day through the John Hancock Insurance, who will now reimburse the home care agency directly.

My newest dilemma is that I need to hire at least one new caregiver to act as back up and to handle the additional hours provided. I chose the CDPAP program which means I'm responsible for choosing caregivers, directing them and scheduling them. This includes finding backup if someone calls in sick. I chose this option because I feel more comfortable making the decision who will be caring for my mother rather than letting an agency person do this. It's more work for me but allows me to rest a bit easier.