Financial Resources

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2004
Financial Resources
3
Wed, 06-27-2007 - 12:58pm
We have started the Hospice Program and I think myH has probably at the most 3 mo. with terminal lung cancer. The thing is that I have been trying to work full time because he hasn't been able to the last 3 mo. Now starting July 5th they will terminate him and we have to pick up Cobra Insurance and the other stuff. But it will be up to me to be the caregiver and I don't know how long he will be able to take care of himself during the day. He is on so much pain med he is confused so what do you do for fianncail suppoor to at least by groceries if I can't go to work. I need some help and ideas because I have No idea what to do I have to take off and take care of him. We need something to at least buy groceries. Is there something or another resource or nother chat thing. HELP
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 06-27-2007 - 3:27pm

(((((Sweetie)))))

I am so sorry for what you and your husband are going through. Ask Hospice they can be a big help as to who to contact. Also try your local Social Services Dept. Tell them what is going on and ask if there are any agencies that could help. Is your husband a vet? Find out if he is eligable for medicare or a social services agency. They may cover your husband , but then you would need insurance. There are alot of agencies out there, even talk to the Social Worker at your local hospital and contact your church, they may know who you can get some help from.

I know how you feel, my dad has terminal lung cancer and there are no options for treatments. He is elderly so he does have medicare and hospice has been wonderful. They have given my dad 6 months which this is his 6th month, he is ok, just getting a little weaker each day. Ask Hospice if his medications that pertain to his cancer are being covered under hospice.

I hope I have been a little bit of help. I had to quit my job to take care of my dad, he had two strokes before he was diagnosed, so there is alot of stuff to do for the sweetie. Oh another idea, call the Social Security Office or talk to an attorney for advice for disability. Just some thoughts.

Please let us know how your doing. First and foremost, take care of yourself. Get rest and try your hardest to eat right and be sure to keep yourself hydrated.

My prayers and thoughts are with you sweetie.

Love ya
Gail
xoxoxoxo

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-27-2007 - 7:28pm

Welcome to the board.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2007
Sun, 07-01-2007 - 1:23am

Hi,

Dying at 49 is terribly young. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. There are alot of variables to consider. Dipping into savings, 40lK, home equity loan... Any family/friends who can pitch in to provide care whlie you're at work? If your husband has whole life insurance, he might be able to cash in his policy at a discount to give you money to get thru the next months. Your hospice Social Worker should be able to help you sort thru the possibilities...

Depending on your financial situation, you might be able to get your husband qualified for Medicaid so that the state would pay his bill. Medicaid would pick up all his medical expenses, including a nursing home if that becomes necessary. That would save you a bunch on COBRA premiums.

I'm a Nursing Home Administrator. My husband is 62 & he's had Stage 4 Colon CA for the past 6 years. He's finishing another round of chemo now. He's "lucky" to be alive or so they say. The cancer keeps popping up in new places & they beat it back with radiation, chemo, gamma knife, etc. His quality of life is not good. And my quality of life is deteriorating as well. I'm trying to position myself so we can provide care for my husband but not be ruined financially...

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.