Name: Joyce
Location: Kentucky
Date: 07/05/2013
Time: 06:08 AM

Comments

I suppose I am a slow learner. It took me 2 years to decide to get some help. Our children helped when they could, but jobs and family took most of their time. I began by getting a sitter one day a week for 2-3 hours. I suppose I had to decide if my husband would survive without me. But, after a 3 week stay in the hospital with him, I knew that I had to approach his care for Alzheimer's differently. It was then that I hired a caretaker for him 5 days a week. What I discovered was she was not only a caretaker for my husband, but also a caretaker for me, a gift from God. Yes, it is expensive, but the benefits of him being at home with me and the family outweighs the costs. I am so thankful that I wised up, because I am a better caretaker for him when she leaves. I am also able to handle the business end of running a home and spending time with friends and attending church. So, don't be afraid to seek help for your loved one and yourself.

Name: Illona
Location: Kansas
Date: 07/05/2013
Time: 07:40 AM

Comments

Today marks the one year anniversary of my husbands stroke. He suffers from aphasia/apraxia and has right sided weakness. As he watches his favorite programs on the military channel, the discovery channel I stop at least twice a day for one hour increments and zone out and immerse myself in reading one of my favorite authors. Still working on decompressing away from home.

Name: Stephanie
Location: Chicago, IL
Date: 07/05/2013
Time: 04:10 PM

Comments

From this day forward, I promise to take care of myself. Some of us are not fortunate enough to get respite relief. But I cherish the moments at night when all is quiet, when I lay in my bed, read my bible and pray. thank God the all caregivers. Just know you are not alone.

Name: Kathy Medovich
Location: Lourdes Hospital, Parish Nurse Coordinator
Date: 07/08/2013
Time: 10:02 AM

Comments

I follow your publication faithfully; and fully understand the complexity of caregiving. I still work as Health Educator/Advocate with Faith Community Nursing as Coordinator for our area churches, and supported by Lourdes Hospital. This spring my husband, who is "retired", and I chose to bring his mother in our home to live. She has end stage Alzheimer's disease and suffered 2 strokes. She is full time care. We do have minimal respite care. Our area is great about covering elder needs, who remain active, and independent. However, in our county, transportation remains a huge issue for everyone, including seniors. Homecare remains a huge issue. We don't qualify for Medicaid, yet have to pay private agencies huge amounts of money for personal care. My mother in law does not have enough financial resources to qualify for a nursing facility. We are stuck in the middle of a huge crisis. Her primary physician won't qualify my mother in law for Hospice, because she doesn't know the length of the disease process. Yet, after talking with our hospital's Palliative care team, we may qualify for some services, especially comfort care. My husband and I talk Staycations. We rent or purchase DVD's, buy some dark chocolate, a bottle of wine and enjoy the evening after mother is in bed. We have a swimming pool; and invite family and friends in to enjoy BBQ's. I have a patio garden, raised in huge totes. I enjoy my gardening. We live in the country, and have alot of song birds and wildlife. My grandchildren enjoy visiting, especially in the summer. Both of us enjoy reading and puzzles. So far, my immediate family has offered us brief respite vacations. We still need the emotional support of watching her slow decline. We are suffering grief long before her passing. She is no longer the mother we remember. I would appreciate any advice you may share with us.

Name: William. Bearden
Location: Southern Oklahoma
Date: 07/09/2013
Time: 11:00 AM

Comments

I have not been doing my normal routine since I have become the primary caregiver for my 90 year old parent. I am more than just stressing. It is by far the most rewarding and hardest thing I have ever done. 3 years and more. Help with advice please.

Name: Annette Walden
Location: Riverside Ca
Date: 07/09/2013
Time: 05:55 PM

Comments

I make sure I make it to church three times a week and my dear friends... church makes me feel refreshed and alive and ready to face another day..:)