Changing gears , worn clutch

2006 Nissan altima, clutch
won't engage the gear untill
the clutch is to the floor.
Hubby thinks engaging an
inch above the floor is
something that ok. But I got
on the freeway this morning
and I tried shifting into 5th
and it wouldn't go. Then
about 5 miles later, going 45-
50 mph, I tried 5th gear again
and it would not go in any
gear. It's a 2006, original
clutch. I think after being
almost killed on the road, I
coasted into a parking lot and
came to a stop. Spent 45
mins trying to get in any
gear.. gunned car on and
tried,  nope, it felt like the
shifter was blocked by
something. Finally got it in
1st, and it bounced forward,
got on the road home, I had
trouble , I was having to hit
the clutch through the floor.
In past I had a 5 speed
Nissan sentra, that clutch did
the same thing, then I would
put a new clutch with dad's
help. My ex husband rode the
clutch most of the time. But
this car is 10. Could it be
something or is an inch or
two from the floor to engage
gear safe to drive? Please
help, I'm a mom of four,
haven't changed a clutch out
ever without my dad. But I
gotta do it alone , because
hubby says it works fine for
him. But the other Nissan I
had did this for days before it
failed completely. Please tell
me what's wrong and what is
the bare minimum on clutch
life, and pressure plates