My husband fell again while I was at the dentist. When I came home he was on the floor in the bathroom and never made it to the toilet. I managed to get him on the shower chair and cleaned him up with a shower. While I was trying to get him out of the shower, he fell back into the tub. I had no choice but to call the EMS for help. He might have IBS because this has happened many many times before. He also has Parkinson's and Neuropathy. He is in a wheelchair at all times. He is 82 and I am 81. This time I had him sent to a hospital where they are arranging the 30 day therapy for him. He also has dementia. He knows his name, address, and telephone but never knows what day, year, or season we're in. I am hoping I can take him back home after therapy with some help, but my 2 sons are suggesting visit him every day I keep him in long term care. It's been a rough ride for me for many years. We're married 60 years and never been apart. I cry all the time. I visit him every day but miss him at night. Don't know what to do. I need support and answers. What to do ? I know taking him home would be a hardship for both of us (as I am finding it difficult lifting a pushing him into wheelchair and bed.) I am strong and healthy but concerned about my age. Feeling very guilty.
My husband has been in nursing care now for almost a year and it does gradually get a bit better. Trust me - Being a caregiver has to be the hardest job in the world. I am unable to care for him anymore due to health issues of my own. I feel for you. He may be upset for a few weeks but will eventually accept the routine. Visiting him every day is totally NOT the way to handle it, you will get sick yourself and will be no good to him then at all. He will handle the routine much better if you are not there all the time. I am in my 80's also and cannot in any way pick him up from the many falls. Maybe your children could visit their father more frequently. We have worked out a twice a week visiting schedule with my son and daughter an me and it seems to work OK. Good luck and stop feeling so guilty you are in NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS CONDITION and you deserve a bit of a life yourself after all the years of self sacrifice - Hang in there. GOOD LUCK!! By-the-way my husband is totally blind so he has a double whammy poor guy/
My husband has been in nursing care now for almost a year and it does gradually get a bit better. Trust me - Being a caregiver has to be the hardest job in the world. I am unable to care for him anymore due to health issues of my own. I feel for you. He may be upset for a few weeks but will eventually accept the routine. Visiting him every day is totally NOT the way to handle it, you will get sick yourself and will be no good to him then at all. He will handle the routine much better if you are not there all the time. I am in my 80's also and cannot in any way pick him up from the many falls. Maybe your children could visit their father more frequently. We have worked out a twice a week visiting schedule with my son and daughter an me and it seems to work OK. Good luck and stop feeling so guilty you are in NO WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS CONDITION and you deserve a bit of a life yourself after all the years of self sacrifice - Hang in there. GOOD LUCK!!