I am currently living in Puerto Rico taking care of my bedridden aunt along with my 75 year old mother. She was diagnosed with dementia and she has other health conditions as well, can I get FREE assistance to help care for her? I have lumbar and cervical problems and when she has fallen (transferring her from the bed to the wheelchair) it has taken a toll on my back! I also have carpal tunnel and I am scared this is not helpful to me or her!!!
You should have a professional assist your husband. I you do it yourself, you may permanently injury yourself. The assistance you need is not expensive, in fact it is free.
Paramedics are usually a good idea. I have found that volunteers live close by and monitor the scanner and get there before the ambulance. It is sometimes necessary to fight them off when they want to take the patient to the ER when the patient has clearly stated many times they are never going back to the hospital. Of course if there is an obvious injury I encouraged a visit but not for a check up. How often does he fall? is he ready for a n/h? are you managing otherwise? Is there a family member or strong neighbor close by who would be willing to help if it is only an occasional mishap. Could you get help say twice a day to get him up and dressed and put to bed? Only consider a n/h if you can no longer manage at home. Demented people do much better in familiar surroundings and the standards of care in a n/h are so variable it is a hard choice to make
facility shmacility. i help mom to propel herself backwards onto a steady footstool. the leg and hip muscles are pretty powerful and she can propel herself backwards with only minimal lifting assistance. once on the footstool she can stand up again after a minute or two of rest.
Also, do not discount the very real possibility that it is time for placement in a facility, as Perseverance also said. It is a difficult decision to make, but in reality may be the best solution for both of you.
I have to agree with Perseverance - sounds like it's time for the phase of management. You are now putting your own physical health at risk, and honestly if you become physically limited, that will impact your ability to care for your husband the way you want to. I would suggest your have a chat with his doctor, and perhaps arrange for a Nursing/homecare service to come in and evaluate the situation you are dealing with. They can help you assess his needs and come up with a plan of care - perhaps for some in-home care during the week, or installation of equipment such as Perseverance mentioned.
Well, a couple of ways - a hoyer lift or paramedics...
But I think the real issue is whether or not you are really able to continue to care for the growing needs of your husband. I think it is time you consider a memory care unit or NH.
You should have a professional assist your husband. I you do it yourself, you may permanently injury yourself. The assistance you need is not expensive, in fact it is free.
How often does he fall? is he ready for a n/h? are you managing otherwise? Is there a family member or strong neighbor close by who would be willing to help if it is only an occasional mishap. Could you get help say twice a day to get him up and dressed and put to bed? Only consider a n/h if you can no longer manage at home. Demented people do much better in familiar surroundings and the standards of care in a n/h are so variable it is a hard choice to make
But I think the real issue is whether or not you are really able to continue to care for the growing needs of your husband. I think it is time you consider a memory care unit or NH.