On SSDI since 2020 (Compassionate Allowance, TBI from Glioblastoma brain surgery) — is paid companion care for my mom a bad idea?
Location: Nevada
I have been on SSDI since 2020 due to a TBI I acquired from brain surgery. Due to a compassionate allowance (Glioblastoma), I was auto-approved. My former work was as the VP of the regional office for a national franchise.
At present, money is really tight and my mom (on hospice) offered me her companion hours which have been approved through the NVDSS Frail and Elderly program. This job is really just watching TV with her and chatting. There are no real tasks involved. It would be 7 hrs/week at $18.50, about $130/week.
I have no ability to perform sustained work with my TBI. Processing new information or being in a chaotic or loud environment drains me. I also can’t multi-task or block out background noise. Even on a low stakes day, I need a daily nap usually around 2-3pm. However, I feel like this may be possible. It’s a low cognitive load and just being present with her.
I know I need to report it and stay under SGA. What I’m actually worried about: does “caregiver” on paper make this look like more than it is, and could that bite me at my next CDR? Can anyone advise me on this before I call SSA?