Maybe have someone from an agency start coming over once a week for 4 hours (for example). Get her used to having someone else around and get a relationship going with the company. You also might want to consider instead putting her in assisted living respite care if/when you need to go in the hospital. You could try to get it arranged now, by getting all the paperwork done, etc. and then if you have advance notice of hospitalization, she could start stay then. This might be easier than trying to get 24/7 care.
I like Lea’s suggestion of contacting a few agencies in your area.
Another thing that you might want to consider is contacting a few universities in your area to see if nursing students may be interested. Students are always in need of additional income.
My friend has a son with severe autism. She hired a nursing student to stay with him while she goes to her doctor appointments and other errands.
Call a few local agencies to see what caregivers they can send over on short notice. I'm sure it wouldn't be the same person bc nobody sits around waiting for an "on call" job, let's face it! If your wife has memory issues, I'd hire a caregiver for her 24/7 in your absence bc it's not safe for her to be alone.
Best of luck.
Another thing that you might want to consider is contacting a few universities in your area to see if nursing students may be interested. Students are always in need of additional income.
My friend has a son with severe autism. She hired a nursing student to stay with him while she goes to her doctor appointments and other errands.
Good luck in finding someone.
Best of luck to you.