I'm the full-time caregiver for my 86 year old husband with dementia. It seems I may be in for surgery within the next couple of months and I don't know what to do about him. Our children are spread out all over the continent and have full-time jobs and their own families. He lost his driver's license and is hard of hearing. I prepare his meds, clip his toenails, prepare the meals, and do all the housework. He does see to his hygiene regularly, but relies on me for everything else. Any suggestions on what resources might be available for his care when I am hospitalized?
How long will your hospital stay be? If this is outpatient you might want to hire a caregiver for a few days or weeks depending on how long your recovery is. the caregiver can help both of you. (and it is a great way to get a caregiver in if your husband has been resistant to having help. You can say the help is for you.
OR
You can contact a facility in your area and ask about a week of Respite. He would have to have a physical form filled out by his doctor. He may have to have a TB test done (that can be a simple skin test but it may require several visits. Or a blood test can be done)
He would stay in the facility for as long as you need him to be cared for.
Talk to your doctor about the expected time that you will be "out of commission" and then make a decision that is best for you.
Or your husband can be put into memory care until you've recovered and can care for him again in your home.
And then if you're lucky, he will like it there and you might want to think about permanent placement, as his dementia will only get worse, and it's often recommended to place someone while earlier in their disease, so they can used to their new surroundings and people caring for them, before their mind gets too far gone.
I wish you well with your surgery and recovery and finding the best facility to care for your husband.
Not necessarily. Medicare pays for up to two weeks respite stay in a care facility if a caregiver needs a break. Having surgery definitely qualifies as needing a break. They will have to pay out-of-pocket after the two weeks though.