Suggestions about what to ask of a home health aid?

Willowbehr

We've qualified for 24 hours of help from a home health aid paid by our insurance but I don't know what to ask of this person (if we can find one!). We are both ambulatory, ride bikes together and I manage household chores. My DH is easy going, polite, charming but needs to ask questions all the time and repeats himself endlessly. He keeps track of me….constantly… I feel I just need some time apart so I can come back happy to see him instead of being frustrated, angry and annoyed all the time. But I don't really want someone else hanging around too much.

PlentyQuiet

I never had a home health aide until DH entered hospice. They explained that they could help with things like changing bedding, starting a load of laundry, ADLs, or just visit and give me a chance to shower unobserved. Talk with the aide, they may be able to suggest even more things

SDianeL

24 hours of help in what time frame? weekly? monthly? in total? Do the hours expire? I would make a list of the things you want the home health aid to do. The agency will usually have a list of the things the person can/will do or not do. They will usually fix light lunch, do dishes, maybe laundry. I would ask for someone who has experience with dementia. When I received respite care from the VA, all I wanted them to do was sit with him & listen to him talk and keep him safe. In our state, the person (CNA) could not give him his meds, only an nurse could do that. So I fed him his breakfast, gave him his meds and then left about noon for 4 hours. I got back in time to fix his dinner. It worked out great. She came once a week. The first time she came I stayed home so I could see the interaction between her and my DH.

cdgbdr

It may be companionship for him while you're away that you need. They can typically do light housework and some personal care. The plan should be specific to what you and your husband need.