Have been dealing with the caregiver duties for about 2 years. Lately all she wants to do is sleep. I am thinking about getting home care. I have contacted visiting Angels in Dec. My question is, is this the best plan of attack.
Lucky you. While dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s is a terrible thing after a year I need a break. It seems every time I sit down she wants something else. My wife is bed bound this last week she thought her family was with us and we were in Michigan. We live in Oregon. When she sleeps a get a few minutes to decompress and deal with my own mental health.
You must not think that Visiting Angels is the best plan of attack, since you contacted them in Dec. of last year and it's now the beginning of April. What has been your hesitation? Are you also considering placing her in a memory care facility? Only you know what is best for not only your wife but for yourself as well, and whatever that is, is the option you need to go with. I'm sure you're doing a great job with her, but there will come a time when it will just be too much for you. Are you at that point now? If so placing her is the best option, because in memory care she will receive the 24/7 care she requires and you can get back to just being her loving husband and advocate and not her caregiver. 40% of caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia will die before their loved one from the stress of it all. Please don't be in that statistic. You may also want to look into bringing hospice on board since your wife is sleeping a lot now. They will have a nurse to check on her once a week to start and have aides to come at least twice a week to bathe her. They also supply any and all needed equipment, supplies, and medications, all covered 100% under your wife's Medicare. But even with hospice on board, 99% of your wife's care will still fall on you or folks you hire. Please make sure that you're taking good care of yourself and finding time to do the things that you enjoy, as I know first hand how very hard this journey is, and you matter too in this equation. May God bless and keep you both.
It will give you a break to do other things. Visiting Angels are bonded and insured. I would say yes. I have encouraged several of my friends to have a "relief" person. I had my siblings to help me or I would've called Angels. I think this is a good call!
I am certain, Pondlily, that you would know what is best for you and your spouse much more than we would. Have you spoken with Angels on the phone? I found them wonderful for a full disclosure of their costs and of the "minimums" they require. At the time, three years ago, that I looked into them for my brother, they had a requirement that they were there three days a week, four hours a day. Rate then was 35.00/hr. He didn't need that much housekeeping help, and it was costly for him at that rate, so we didn't use them. The woman on the phone was actually kind enough to give me a phone number for a few folks who would/could help with appointments, grocery shopping etc. At the time my brother was atttempting to decide between ALF (I live in No. Cali) and staying home with some help.
Much depends upon who you get, what you require help with, and your own household. If you can afford them, I surely would think they are worth a trial. Can you fill me in a bit on your needs?
Only you know what is best for not only your wife but for yourself as well, and whatever that is, is the option you need to go with.
I'm sure you're doing a great job with her, but there will come a time when it will just be too much for you. Are you at that point now? If so placing her is the best option, because in memory care she will receive the 24/7 care she requires and you can get back to just being her loving husband and advocate and not her caregiver.
40% of caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia will die before their loved one from the stress of it all. Please don't be in that statistic.
You may also want to look into bringing hospice on board since your wife is sleeping a lot now. They will have a nurse to check on her once a week to start and have aides to come at least twice a week to bathe her. They also supply any and all needed equipment, supplies, and medications, all covered 100% under your wife's Medicare.
But even with hospice on board, 99% of your wife's care will still fall on you or folks you hire.
Please make sure that you're taking good care of yourself and finding time to do the things that you enjoy, as I know first hand how very hard this journey is, and you matter too in this equation.
May God bless and keep you both.
Have you spoken with Angels on the phone? I found them wonderful for a full disclosure of their costs and of the "minimums" they require.
At the time, three years ago, that I looked into them for my brother, they had a requirement that they were there three days a week, four hours a day. Rate then was 35.00/hr.
He didn't need that much housekeeping help, and it was costly for him at that rate, so we didn't use them. The woman on the phone was actually kind enough to give me a phone number for a few folks who would/could help with appointments, grocery shopping etc.
At the time my brother was atttempting to decide between ALF (I live in No. Cali) and staying home with some help.
Much depends upon who you get, what you require help with, and your own household. If you can afford them, I surely would think they are worth a trial.
Can you fill me in a bit on your needs?
Welcome to the forum, and I wish you the best.