Assistance for older women who are not yet of retirement age

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dlvstos
dlvstos Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I have been through surgery, chemo, and radiation for stage IIIC
breast cancer during the past year. I found this site while looking up
the phraseology for Social Security Disability benefits and discovered
an older thread that really resonated--women were writing in to discuss
how it almost feels like submitting to a death sentence to even apply
for those benefits. There's a fine line between being cognizant of
one's mortality and giving in to it.

I am 57, single, and without
financial resources after a career of teaching and being a single mom,
which with 15/15 positive axillary lymph nodes positive, I am unable to
do now. Post-radiation fatigue is terrible. Obviously I am not of
retirement age. I've been fortunate enough to have stayed with friends
during the past year, but they're selling their home to move to a
smaller one and soon I'll be on my own. I will eventually receive SS
Disability benefits, thank God.

Does anyone know of a place where
women in my situation can live independently, yet still in a
cooperative environment with others in the same situation? I can find
no resources for people who are experiencing this sort of displacement.
Well-meaning friends who have completely different realities suggest
applying for Section 8 housing (which I have), but there must be
something out there where women can be in their own space, work while
being able to rest (maybe online jobs?) and still contribute to society
so they will have more meaningful lives.

Thank you.

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  • dlvstos
    dlvstos Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    I had to change this because the post read "old women" and I meant "older"!  ;)

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2014

    Hi divstos. How long did you teach, and we're you in a school system with retirement? If you were, how many years did you lack being eligible? I'm asking because my mom, dad & sister are/were all teachers and there are ways here to tie it in to other State jobs.

    Have you talked with a social worker at the hospital where you were treated? They helped me a lot.

    We have a senior services agency here that is very helpful. Maybe there is something similar where you are. I am aware of this group because of work I've done with an estate planning/probate lawyer on guardianship cases. Here is their page for an idea of what I'm talking about: 

    http://www.theseniorsource.org

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  • dlvstos
    dlvstos Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    Thank you, MelissaDallas.  My work was in NC and I had to cash out several years' worth of retirement when I was a single mom.  I'll have to contact the retirement people on Monday and see when I can get those benefits.

    My hospital social worker is a wonderful person, but has no clue to help.  She recommended Section 8 housing.  That could be interesting, but not exactly how I envision spending however much time I might have left!

    I appreciate the link, too.  I don't think I'm old enough for those type organizations, but will continue to check.

    I hope your weekend is great.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2014

    I looked. The Senior Source that I gave you the link for is 50 and up.

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  • dlvstos
    dlvstos Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    Great!  I appreciate it.  I am currently in Florida, but when my friends sell this house in a couple of months I don't know quite where I'll end up.  I'll continue to check for these type resources.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2014

    Is there a Women's Shelter in your area?  Even if you don't fit their requirements to be in them, they should be able to give you some other sources to seek out.   The Breast Cancer Navigator at your Center should be able to give you some info on sources.  I don't know about your beliefs but many Churches have resources - mine does and if I needed to I would go to them I would without a second thought. 

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  • dlvstos
    dlvstos Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2014

    Thanks, Kicks. 

    What I'm thinking about is creating a non-profit for older people like me who've been displaced due to their cancer, who are unable to generate much income because of their current fatigue levels.  I envision a place for single women who can each live independently and yet be part of a supportive community that is self-sustaining, creative, and gives back to the larger community.   A former camp with individual cabins would be perfect and I've found one.  I wonder how many people there are in my situation out there who have been fiercely independent and now have lost that essential aspect of their lives?  If anyone has comments about this or knows someone who needs such a place, please let me know.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited April 2014

    I am IIIc as well, applied for SS and got it.  I am currently waiting for a review which involved SS appointed psychiatrist and MD visits to see if it will continue.  I sure pray it will as it's been a God send for our family.  Although my husband has a good stable job, I am physically and mentally shot from this whole ordeal.  I'm 52 and we have 2 teenagers to put through college and don't know if I'll ever feel good enough to hold down a set, full time schedule. Right now I'm blessed that the company I have worked at for over 25 years is allowing me to work VERY part time and set my own hours.  You can still receive SS if you work, just limited hours.  And yes, it sucks having to answer a lot of those questions, as well as having to be put through these periodic reviews, but I am doing what I need to do for my family.  I hope you go through with the SS process, just find out what your hour limitations are before you'd get a job that would put you out of eligibility.

    Good luck,

    Sharon

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited April 2014

    Hi ladies . I am a (was) stage IIICer too. I was displaced to Florida for all my surgeries and tx, and then when I got  back home received Herceptin. I was basically out of work for  about one year.Fortunately I was able to receive employment compensation for most of it by my previous employer.    When I did go  back to work  I  decided to changed jobs and took it very slow. I had a lot of residual fatique, major neuropathy, chemo brain  and a lot of bone and joint pain.  I really didn't know if I could ever go back to a full time position.

    Gradually, Thankfully  most of my issues have resolved .  I am now back to work full time and will retire in 4 years!

    You can work part time and get SS. I also know there are Senior Communities in Florida that are reduced costs for 55 and older. Perfpad you could do tutoring. My GF does this now and makes almost as much as she did when she was teaching full time.

    Good luck dear. The sxs  will get lesser  as more time passes and you will  find more options that  fit your situation.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2014

    there is place called yogaville its in virginia. google it. they have yoga training programs. and they are very reasonably priced. last i looked it was 400 month. includes room board .  when i am well enough i am doing one

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