Good Morning! Thanks for all your supportive comments and suggestions, Coupon Queen. I think I'll try the backing over technique for the wheelchair the next time I try it. To be honest, I'm not sure that will be today. In addition to both of us being very nervous, the physical strain on me was just awful. I needed to take ibuprofen last night along with using biofreeze, etc. DH could not handle any sort of scooter, unfortunately. I know they have the electric scooters with baskets at Safeway and Wal-Mart, but not the non-motorized type. I ended up taking him to Safeway with me yesterday afternoon, and he did okay. I would not want to have him walk too much, but we went slowly and not for very long. Interestingly enough, I saw another caregiver taking her DH into the Safeway as we were driving home. He is only 58 -- traumatic brain injury plus early onset Alzheimer's Disease. She is a special lady, and very open with her struggles.
DH definitely recognizes me, and he talks to his kids on the phone (mostly his DD since his son does not call often). He cannot hold the phone, and I have to tell him who is calling. He is very good at the basic social responses -- hello, I'm fine, etc. But, he certainly cannot carry on a regular conversation nor remember anything that is said. I need to have his DD repeat things to me. He is so agreeable that when our neighbor brought in the lift chair and jokingly said "Merry Christmas", DH said "Merry Christmas" back. Sweet man, which really helps.
I don't think there is much chance of his kids doing what you suggest. And, I do tell them some of the issues when we talk on the phone. My DD gets most of my venting, and she is very supportive of me getting help, or having him placed into a facility if things keep getting worse.
I talked to the hospice nurse about needing more assistance, and she said she will give my name to the volunteer coordinator. Maybe a volunteer could sit with him for brief periods. And, I can always call the home caregivers -- as long as they have six hours notice, there is no extra charge. But, the problem to me is that you pretty much need to schedule three hours because the price for less time is considerably more. And, there isn't much point in hiring someone at night so long as we are sleeping in the same bed. Hospice would provide a hospital bed, but I'm not sure that would be any better since I would still hear him getting up, and he would probably come to our bed.
On the good side, he slept pretty well last night -- only got up once. So, I did get more rest. I am taking him to day services today while I do my volunteer job and go to the gym, and plan to do so tomorrow and Friday. If they decide he cannot attend there, I will need to re-think keeping him at home with me. Fingers crossed that does not happen. But, I have to be realistic, and the stress and strain is pretty bad, and the three days there is a blessing.
Hope you are feeling okay Barbara, and all is well in your household. Also hope you had a nice time in Bath, Claudia and Paris is great. What will you be seeing in Paris?
Have a nice day!
Hugs,
Linda
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