As you can see by my rhetorical question...it has only been 2 weeks this Thursday since my husband's momma moved in with us. This has been a huge adjustment and we will continue to adjust for a while. My husband and I are new to this full time caregiving...learning as we go. The transition was pretty smooth, she (MIL) loves being with us way more than the horrid nursing home. My husband and I, like many of you, are sandwiched in between still having school aged children and an ailing parent. That has been the hardest. My MIL needs 24/7, my husband works swing shifts and all 4 children are still at home. Our emotions swing like a pendulum. I thought I knew what sacrifice was, I didn't but I do now. Like I said, we are in the early stages which means we have OT, PT and a RN that comes on a regular. The one thing we really need is an aide to start coming in before my job starts back up in August. The company says they need to hire one??? I want to make sure my MIL likes him/her, we like him/her and trust that person in our home. My husband and I have a lot to learn so if you have any suggestions, I am open to them. I really enjoy reading and learning from your post! I love how real, open and honest you are with your lives. Thank you! I'm understanding that what my husband and I are going through emotionally is normal. Hard but normal.
Plus with teen-age and adult children at home, they can help out if Mom-in-law needs for someone to get her something. And it is nice that your Mom-in-law loves being with you.
When my very elderly Dad needed someone to help him, I had called a nationwide caregiving agency, and he had lucked out with wonderful caregivers. Two had been with him for over a year. With an agency, the agency is licensed, bonded, insured and has workman's comp for their employees in case they get hurt on the job. Don't be afraid to "test drive" a few caregivers until you find the right fit. Fair warning, there will be sticker shock at the cost.
We'll have to stick to company caregivers, I'm praying we get someone with integrity.
How nice for your MIL that you were able to take her in. MUCH nicer for her to be in a home setting than a NH.
I would get the caregiver in sooner rather than later so that you can get to know them and see if you can trust them, etc. so when you are back to work, you will not have to worry tooo much.
You said hubby works swing shift. Do you work a regular 1st shift job? So he will be home sometimes when you're not and vice versa? That could help with monitoring the helpers, etc.
Good luck.
We'll have to stick to company caregivers, I'm praying we get someone with integrity.