I'm new to this (actually 7 months care giving-including 7+ weeks in hospital/SNF for my wife). I'm 70. wife is 76. 100% bed bound due to health issues, severe Hypoglycemia, Malnutrition, TIA, mild heart attack, complications caused by 'errors' in hospital, and PTSD.
What a voyage this has been so far. I was doing ok for 5 months at home until malnutrition caused 911 call and emergency room because of stroke like symptoms. turn out malnutrition can mimic stroke. Home again after 7 days but I am wiped from continuing saga of Caregiving.
Thanks for listening.
So please take one item at a time as someone suggested otherwise the whole search process will seem very daunting. Good luck and many blessings to you and know you are not alone,
God bless you
How do I know this? I am an owner of a professional caregiving business for persons with Alzheimer's and memory problems (i know what burnout is). Here are a few thoughts for a course of action.
1. Get help even if you feel guilty. Admit that you can't do this on your own. It is a myth that anyone can.
2. Gain an understanding of what your financial resources are, what your medicare insurance and Medicare will pay for. Prepare yourself financially for the long haul. Understanding your financial life will greatly reduce your stress because it will help you make better choices.
3. If you don't know the best diet for your wife, find a nutritionist who can help you plan meals for your wife. As others mentioned Meals on Wheels, delivered meal services (Mom's Meals), grocery delivery service provided by many major grocery chains are other ways to reduce the stress of grocery shopping.
4. Find high quality respite care that meets your needs. You may need medically trained caregivers, such as an RN, LPN, for your wife's medical needs. Use a reputable agency until you are comfortable hiring caregivers on your own. Respite care gives you time off from caregiving.
4. Find time for your friends and former activities. Social isolation will make your situation worse, much worse. Respite care will give you time away from your caregiving responsibilities.
5. Find someone to clean your house if your budget allows. Trying to maintain your home and care for your wife is too much for anyone to do.
6.Donate, sell or give away stuff you no longer use or need. Reduce clutter will make your life easier.
7. Find a support group for people like yourself. Call your hospital to see what they offer.
8. If your budget allows, find a highly qualified geriatric care manager or geriatric social worker. These professionals can help you find resources and develop a game plan for caring for your wife.
9. If you live in an area where there is an aging-in-place village, find out if they can help persons in your situation. If they can, then join.
10. Realize that you can't do this on your own.
As the previous comment said, use this forum to find help and a sounding board.
All the best.
Contact your county agency on aging for programs such as Case Management, Meals on Wheels, care referrals, etc,... go to the website link below.... click on your State.... now click on the city/county. https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging
And keep coming to this forum, we are a great sounding board for ideas or even if you want to vent.