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alreme Asked November 2015

How do I start the process of looking for 24 hour care?

My husband has dementia. I took care of him the best way I could. I can see it is time to start looking into crossing him over into 24 hour care. It breaks my heart but I can no longer continue caring for him as I did these past 10 years. 

NYDaughterInLaw Nov 2015
If you know a neighbor, co-worker, friend who has a caregiver ask if their caregiver knows a colleague who is looking for work. Caregivers situations change all the time due to death or their elder transferring into AL or a nursing home. When we needed a caregiver for my MIL we did that and it worked out really well because professional caregivers are a tight-knit group and are always willing to help out. I wish you lots of luck!

Sunnygirl1 Nov 2015
Your profile doesn't give your state, but most states have list of all long term care facilities license information online. That's a place to start.

When I started searching for a facility to place my loved one, who had dementia, I checked places that I knew someone had been there before. For example if you are looking for Memory Care, you can google that in your county. You might also call any Rest Home or Assisted Living facility in your county and ask them where their closet Memory Care unit is located. Some are located in a regular Assisted Living facility or in a Rest home.

I think it's worth it to have a doctor or other professional assess his needs, so you will know in advance what level of care he needs. If he needs daily skilled nursing, then rest homes would be in order. If he only needs assistance with bathing, feeding, toilet, etc. perhaps Memory Care would work.

I would be careful to ensure that the place you select is a good fit for the level of care he needs.

If you need inhome care, I would call an agency to ask about their services, charges, etc. You might also check into a Medicare program called PACE.

https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/pace/pace.html

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alreme Nov 2015
Thank you so kindly for answers. I just don't know where to start.

micalost Nov 2015
The department of social services DSS sent a social worker who hired a company for me after I called despirate for help. The workers were divided up- one who stayed awake all night, then two for the daytime. It was costly but less than nursing home.
I did this until I was able to get mom into a nursing home... It qualified her more quickly because it showed I tried homecare first.

geewiz Nov 2015
Hi, there are many routes your search may take. And you might explore each of them, at least superficially before you eliminate it. Perhaps you can share a bit more to enable all of the experienced care givers on this site to offer you some ideas. Here are some routes to explore: Adult day care for your husband several days a week - usually available Monday - Friday. In home caregivers -- by the shift or live in. A memory care center for your husband to live in. This can be part of an assisted living facility or skilled nursing home.

Creating a list of the challenges you face may enable you to more clearly define the next step. Finances are an important aspect as well so it would be good to have a handle on what you can afford towards this care. You might call the county office of aging for ideas or do a computer search for memory care in your geographic area. Once you have some potential lists, I've found that calling and talking with them can give you a lot of ideas to consider. Good luck

pamstegma Nov 2015
Talk to your family doctor, he will be glad to help get you started. Also call your health insurance company for assistance in looking for a good facility.

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