As I am still recovering from my hospital stay and surgery, I tend to be thinking more and more of the “what ifs” I know I am very lucky that my daughter, Becca, and step-daughter, Becky, were able to drop everything and come to stay with me and take care of me. But “what if” they couldn’t? What if there was no one who could have come to help with my daily tasks?
During the first month or so of being home, I couldn’t dress myself, I couldn’t bathe myself, and I couldn’t cook meals to feed myself. I often think about what I would have done if there had been no one who could help me. Just what do people do who are in that position?
Then I thought about my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They live in a small town in the north Georgia mountains, about a hundred miles away from any of their children. Fabgrandpa and I live two thousand miles away. While his brothers and sisters-in-law, and adult nephews and nieces can make the trip up to check in on my mother and father-in-law on the weekends, that leaves them on their own during the week when everyone has to work.
When my mother-in-law fell and broke her hip, she spent some time in a rehabilitation facility. When she was able to go home, they were referred to a home health care company that provides personalized home care service for an hourly fee. The company sent out a very nice woman who makes sure that they are taking their medications, which is very important. Donna also helps my mother-in-law with bathing, cleans the house, makes meals for them. She takes my mother-in-law to her doctors appointments, to the hair salon, and shopping. Having this home health care assistant has given my mother-in-law freedom to stay in her own home, and has taken some of the load off of my father-in-law, who has health issues of his own.
So, I think if I get to the point where I can’t do things for myself, such as driving or taking a bath or fixing my own hair, then getting a home health care assistant would be the thing to do, instead of going into an expensive nursing home or assisted living facility. Fabgrandpa and I could stay together longer, and be happier, with less expense. I think that would be a good solution for us.
I’ve thought about this a lot since Mom died.
Such a scary thought. My parents take care of a 94 year old man. I don’t know what he would have done without their help. He falls often and can hardly take care of himself. Home health care seems like a good option.
It is such a great option to have – especially when someone isn’t ready to leave their home or move to a retirement facility.
Having worked 10 years doing healthcare I think that’s a fabulous idea! Even though I quit back in ’08 to raise my babies I still miss and think about the ladies I cared for often <3
I agree completely. I moved back to my home town so I could help my grandparents through their health problems. I think that helping anyone with health problems to stay in their homes as long as possible, if at all possible, is very important.
Before my Papa passed away in hospice a few years ago, he has a home health aide that came to his house 3 times a week for a few years. She would do his errands, make sure he ate a god meal, and just keep him company. It was really a blessing for my mom and aunts/uncles to know that someone was always checking in on him when they weren’t able to.
Great post. My mother does personalized home care and loves it. I would prefer this myself if the time ever comes I need it.
My grandma had home health care for a good period of time. They were wonderful with her, and she was able to stay in an environment she already knew.
Like you, I definitely think at home care is a better option. Not only because you get to stay at home but the cost is more affordable. I’ve started mentioning this to my parents and have the information tucked away for when my husband and I need to start seriously looking into it.
I think it’s important to attempt to plan out things like this with your loved ones.
i cant even spend time thinking about this….AHHHHHHHHHHHH . Old. Parents. But yes, its important to plan!
trisha