Isn't it amazing how many of you have been through this? Last night, Alan and I enjoyed visiting with Andi. After listening to the situation, I'm considering writing an article on the difficulties of "absentee" caregiving.

Denise, your advice is excellent. Actually, I'm involved with a volunteer caregiving service which I have mentioned to Andi. But, we got to visiting last night and I never gave her the contact information. Andi, I'll email you tomorrow.

I volunteer my writing and leadership skills with Interfaith Community Services. It is an organization of faith communities (Jewish, Christian, Catholic and Mormon so far) that pool financial resources and volunteers to help the elderly, disabled and/or financially deprived maintain independent lives as long as possible. We are funded by the member faith communities, private donations and a small number of grants. Volunteers do all the work except for a small administrative/social work staff. It's a great organization with a very low administative cost (less than 10%) which means almost all of the money goes to helping others. If Andi's mother stays in her home, then ICS might be able to help her through mobile meals and other services that provide rides, friendly telephone calls and health advocacy. Of course if Andi's mom goes to assisted living then that would be the facility's job and it wouldn't be appropriate for my agency to help.

Andi, hope you found some solutions today. This isn't an easy time for you or your mom. Hang in there!