WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — Navy veteran Derek Laferriere works as a custodian at a school in Massachusetts and lives in Rhode Island with his mother, who is in hospice care. He says it has been a challenging time for his family. "She is 60 years old and was diagnosed with dementia around 2019 or so," he said. "But there've been problems ever since I was a teenager." Since his mother needs around-the-clock care, Laferriere has been forced to take time off of work and was searching for financial help to be able to keep a roof over their head. "I only knew about the Family Medical Leave that was unpaid, and then I asked the question, 'So, how do I get paid?'" he told 12 Responds. "And they just sent an email saying the only way to get paid is to use your sick days." Massachusetts has a program that provides financial assistance under its Paid Family Medical Leave law. However, 12 Responds has learned municipalities in Massachusetts are exempt from the law unless they opt into it. "How can I live my life taking care of my dying mother when you don't receive any funds?" he said. "There's no program for this situation." MORE 12 RESPONDS: Somerset officer gets first responder discount after billing issue To date, state officials say they are unaware of any municipalities that have opted to pay into the program, which leaves people like Laferriere, who is employed by the municipality where he works, without financial assistance. "I mean, we're poor, we can't afford a nursing home," he said. "We're trying to keep the house." It's a similar situation for those who work in Rhode Island. Employees of government entities like public school departments are exempt from Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI). However, municipalities may elect to have some or all of their departments opt in to coverage. As for Laferriere, he told 12 Responds his mother has Medicare and can apply for Medicaid to get extra financial assistance. He is also reaching out to see what services are available for veterans. Sarah Guernelli ([email protected]) is the consumer investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices SIGN UP NOW