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- We couldn’t afford to pay for my mom’s dementia assisted living anymore. She moved into a tiny house next door to me. (businessinsider.com)
Arizona Woman Finds Affordable Solution to Care for Aging Mother with Dementia
Lori Bufka, 64, has taken an innovative approach to caring for her 88-year-old mother with dementia in Arizona, addressing the soaring costs of assisted living by moving her mother into a nearby trailer home. This arrangement allows Bufka to provide attentive care while managing expenses and maintaining her mother’s independence.
A retired college professor from Florida, Bufka and her partner initially embraced a nomadic “van life” before settling in a tiny house in Arizona. When her mother’s assisted living fees in California escalated beyond her veteran benefits and Social Security income-jumping from $4,700 to over $5,200 per month-the family realized they needed a more sustainable option. Concerned about her mother’s diminishing savings and the prospect of her moving into a dementia unit shared with other residents, Bufka decided to take caregiving into her own hands.
To create a safe and comfortable environment, Bufka purchased a 700-square-foot trailer in the same park as her home, just a short walk away. The cost was significantly lower than assisted living, requiring a combination of her mother’s savings and her own.
Monthly expenses, including rent and utilities, remain manageable, and Bufka and her partner share caregiving duties. Although home health services are limited in their mountain community and often cost-prohibitive, hospice volunteers provide intermittent support.
Adjusting to this new lifestyle has meant putting travel on hold and limiting time away, with Bufka ensuring her mother’s daily needs are met. Despite some hearing loss and cognitive decline, her mother maintains a degree of independence-she dresses herself, follows notes left by Bufka, and spends much of her time watching television.
Technology plays a crucial role in aiding Bufka’s caregiving. She employs a specialized TV system that allows her to remotely control her mother’s television, ensuring it remains user-friendly.
Video calls appear directly on the screen with closed captioning, facilitating communication despite her mother’s deafness and dementia. Security cameras and smart home devices help monitor safety, prevent accidents, and provide peace of mind.
For instance, smart plugs enable her mother to control heating, and live transcription apps assist with communication.
Bufka acknowledges the challenges but finds comfort in being able to care for her mother at home, preserving dignity and quality of life while navigating the complexities of dementia care on a budget. This personalized approach highlights the growing need for flexible, affordable options as families confront the rising costs of long-term care.