Question: I took care of a 77 year old woman for 8 months because her own family could not or would not care for her. We agreed she would pay me to take care of her fully, including bathing, shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Now, her family refuses to pay me. Who do you suggest I talk with in order to force this family to pay me for the care I rendered to this elderly woman?
Answer: How fortunate for your friend that she had you to provide care for her when she needed it. I have seen many situations like this and I find them so sad. I am not an attorney, so please know that my advice to you comes from experience only and not a license to help with legal issues. My general advice to you is to seek an attorney who would be willing to communicate with the family for you. I work with attorneys certified in elder law and would start there. If this is the wrong area of law, these attorneys can point you in the right direction.
If there was anything in writing from her to you, this would help your cause. If there were any witnesses to your conversations or to your working relationships, this would also help you. If she is aware and alert, you might consider having another conversation with her. If she has any friends that knew the two of you maybe one of them would advocate for you.
I hope this helps, good luck and many blessings to you for reaching out to help an elder.
Amy Cameron O’Rourke, MPH, CMC
The Cameron Group
Orlando, Florida 32803
