I am 88 today, sole caregiver for my husband. I'm exhausted is there any help?
I use a crutch or walker around the house. Local agencies have long waiting lists. for Meals-on-Wheels it's 2-3 years. Volunteers are stretched too thin at local agency & I'm not able to pay even a sitter so we are house bound. Any ideas?
Does he qualify for hospice? Is he a veteran? These are places to investigate. I have my husband in hospice because he has terminal cancer. He is not real bad yet but I wanted to have something in place before I need some help fast. They are wonderful; we only have a nurse coming once a week for now. They were able to get a volunteer to agree to give me one day a week for 3 hours. I treasure this time and use it to see friends or do something for myself.
All good advice above. I will add if your husband was in the military he may be eligible for Aid And Attendence or other military benefits. This extra money could be used to pay a part-time caregiver. Best of luck to you.
Eyerish, all you have to do is search the web about waiting lists for MOW and you will see that in many areas there are indeed waiting lists, and it is a problem that is increasing as demand grows. Perhaps if you contact your local agency on aging they can help you find resources in your location Bev. In my experience many seniors resist making the kind of changes necessary to make their lives easier and because of that find themselves in a crisis, which necessitates even bigger changes. What will become of you, your husband and your home if you allow your health to decline in an attempt to keep things as they are? Do you have a realistic plan that will carry you forward into the next 5 or 10 years?
I think someone gave you some inaccurate information. There is no waiting list for Meals on Wheels.
Have you spoken to your husband's Dr. about getting a visiting nurse to the home a couple of times a week? A visiting nurse would be able to help you figure out what kind of services you might be eligible for.
If you can get your husband on hospice you'd be eligible for some extra services as well. Your husband's Dr. office can refer you to a hospice agency. They'll come out and do an assessment. If you are approved you get a visiting nurse, a social worker, any supplies you may need but more importantly access to services you might not have thought of.
I'm sorry you are so worn down. ((hugs)) Have you considered making a move to a senior friendly apartment? These usually have a support system in place so it would be easier for you to find help. Would it be possible to have your husband go to a respite placement so you can get a break?
Have you applied to see which resources you may qualify for at the federal, state and local level? If you use key words and search for Department of Elder Affairs State of Florida, you will their website that has a lot of resources. And you may find a place who will process your application for all services. I think it would depend on your income. Is your husband on Medicaid?
I'll send you a PM as well. I hope others here will have some suggestions.
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Perhaps if you contact your local agency on aging they can help you find resources in your location Bev.
In my experience many seniors resist making the kind of changes necessary to make their lives easier and because of that find themselves in a crisis, which necessitates even bigger changes. What will become of you, your husband and your home if you allow your health to decline in an attempt to keep things as they are? Do you have a realistic plan that will carry you forward into the next 5 or 10 years?
Have you spoken to your husband's Dr. about getting a visiting nurse to the home a couple of times a week? A visiting nurse would be able to help you figure out what kind of services you might be eligible for.
If you can get your husband on hospice you'd be eligible for some extra services as well. Your husband's Dr. office can refer you to a hospice agency. They'll come out and do an assessment. If you are approved you get a visiting nurse, a social worker, any supplies you may need but more importantly access to services you might not have thought of.
Have you considered making a move to a senior friendly apartment? These usually have a support system in place so it would be easier for you to find help. Would it be possible to have your husband go to a respite placement so you can get a break?
I'll send you a PM as well. I hope others here will have some suggestions.