Home health care

ME44

I'm 70 and in reasonably good health, some issues that are well managed. DW is 67, about 3 years or so in. I would say moderate stages. A fair amount of urinary incontinence, needs assistance with bathing and dressing. We have an adult daughter who's doing all she can to help us. I cook breakfast every day, and either our daughter brings meal prep or I cook. I'm getting some increasing suggestions that I bring in a home health care aide. Other than maybe a little respite care I'm not sure that we have a great need. I'm a little tired, but I'm retired and feel like we're mostly managing ok. I guess my questions are: when did you decide to bring someone in? How frequently did they come and what did their task list look like?

SDianeL

respite care is important for you to recharge. Even a few hours per week helps. The VA provided respite help for my DH. She came once a week for 4 hours. Some agencies have a minimum number of hours. She was a CNA and couldn’t give him his meds. She mainly sat and listened to him and made sure he was safe. I ran errands, went to doctors appts, went to a book store or library, etc. She would have done light housekeeping, help with bathing and fix light lunch but we didn’t need that. The agency will provide a list of what they do and decide what level of care you need. Having help would benefit you and your daughter. I highly recommend it if you can afford it and if your DW will accept it. I got my husband to accept it by telling him it was for me. I needed the help.