Caregivers Support Group
A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...
I'm not sure what forum this could go into but I need to talk about this to someone. I take care both of my parents who are ill. I'm 28 years old, work part time and when I'm not working... I'm taking care of them. I barely go out so I don't spend money like crazy.
My mom has 1 leg, barely any eyesight, and recently almost had to get her other leg amputated as well as severe depression & anxiety. My dad has cancer, balance issues, severe depression and anxiety as well as other mental issues. Recently with my mom almost losing her leg, she has a lot of hospital stays and doctors bills. I must have 40+ bills in front of me...most doctors know our situation and either haven't billed us, billed us small amounts or just told us to take our time.
Well today I got a letter to appear in court because one of the doctors (who was terrible and just wanted to amputate and didn't even really consider any other options) billed us $230... I already paid $72 of that because I was told "if I just pay some of it - even if it's a dollar - they can't sue because you tried." Quite frankly, the guy doesn't deserve a dollar. I can't believe they are taking us to court over $144. Does that sound ridiculous? I mean I never had a problem like this with any doctors and I really am trying hard to not go on Medical Bankruptcy. They didn't even send the bill to the collections agency.. is that normal?
I'm just so stressed about this. I am trying my hardest and I am just drowning and the last thing I need is this idiot doctor who we only visited once to take me to court. I mean my family doesnt even have a stove, dishwasher or washing machine - we are not well off whatsoever. This is not what I need.
My mom has 1 leg, barely any eyesight, and recently almost had to get her other leg amputated as well as severe depression & anxiety. My dad has cancer, balance issues, severe depression and anxiety as well as other mental issues. Recently with my mom almost losing her leg, she has a lot of hospital stays and doctors bills. I must have 40+ bills in front of me...most doctors know our situation and either haven't billed us, billed us small amounts or just told us to take our time.
Well today I got a letter to appear in court because one of the doctors (who was terrible and just wanted to amputate and didn't even really consider any other options) billed us $230... I already paid $72 of that because I was told "if I just pay some of it - even if it's a dollar - they can't sue because you tried." Quite frankly, the guy doesn't deserve a dollar. I can't believe they are taking us to court over $144. Does that sound ridiculous? I mean I never had a problem like this with any doctors and I really am trying hard to not go on Medical Bankruptcy. They didn't even send the bill to the collections agency.. is that normal?
I'm just so stressed about this. I am trying my hardest and I am just drowning and the last thing I need is this idiot doctor who we only visited once to take me to court. I mean my family doesnt even have a stove, dishwasher or washing machine - we are not well off whatsoever. This is not what I need.
You paid some money back and they're taking you to court ???
Hmmmm .
Not sure I can troll (I mean) help you.
and at a cut price as well.
How about the hospital social worker, and asking for a referral to someone in their financial office that could answer questions? It does NOT sound normal that a doctor would go to court over such a small amount. I have heard that paying 5 bucks a month on any bill can show that you are making payments and they can't sue...but I don't know if that is true.
why not go into bankruptcy? It seems that it is impossible for the parents to pay.
And you should also see if you can get paid for caregiving. And somehow qualify for other help....people coming in...nurses to check on them, and food stamps...
Many churches have money to donate to people in need...my neighbor qualified for help from catholic charities, and my church had a fund
people could apply for...maybe they could pay off the evil dr...
That is why the social worker at the hospital might have some answers or ideas....or is there a council on aging in your town? AARP? Social security, anything and everything....I would be shouting for help.
and in case no one has told you lately, you are a remarkable young lady and you should be very proud of how you are looking after your folks. Most of us don't have to do that until we are older.....that being said, you need to look after yourself, because caregiver burnout for someone so young would be tragic.
you also might want to post on the group Caring for Aging Parents....even tho they aren't very old...the problems may be similar to many there... just copy and paste the above to them....
Welcome to the group.
why the heck don't you have a stove or dishwasher? they died? And if you go to court...what could they have you pay? you are already having the outgo higher than the income....geeze. bad karma for the dr...
Yes... our stove, dishwasher, washing machine all died. We just can't get money to fix it because whenever we set aside some money, some other health problem happens to take our money.