Hello. I badly need a knee replacement but I have been putting it off as my husband has dementia and cannot look after himself. I have no support to look after either of us. Can anyone explain how to find a respite place to put my husband in and then home care for me. Thanks, Sheila from Florida
Call assisted living facilities in your area. Some have rooms available for those in need of respite care.
What has your doctor recommended for you?
Are you planning on in patient rehab or out patient rehab after your surgery?
If you can do in patient rehab at a facility, maybe you can go to the same facility as your husband.
Best of luck to you.
Due to the fact she is having knee surgery I also worry about her rehab and ability to care for hubby for some time post op.
Wondering now if it isn't time for application to medicaid and placement for hubby.
If all else fails. You can apply for medicaid to get some financial help.
The local county department of aging can direct you to what resources are available in your area.
Best of luck getting your surgery, respite for hubby and a full recovery.
My Moms respite in an AL became a permanent thing.
My husband has been on Medicaid for some time and I needed surgery. Instead of helping us, (not to name names) the insurance agency that manages his account and the agency that supplies the workers had a "fight". As a result of their "misunderstanding" , my husband wound up with no services for months, though he had been approved. All our case manager did was lie, covering for insurance company and the agency owner supplying workers refused to work with the insurance agency - my husband was left high and dry, no matter what I tried to get some help. He was the victim because of the juvenile behavior of both agencies. Yes, I am angry, very angry. So, don't bank on Medicaid...depending on the insurance managing company you have.
When I needed day surgery I contacted a agency that comes into the home to help care for the disabled. It was expensive, but I only needed them for the day.
After that I looked into a program called IRIS. They help provide in home care for people who are elderly or disabled. They will pay for a in home care as well as anything needed in the home that is not covered by your insurance. They also help cover things outside of the home that are not covered by your insurance. This one is through Medicaid, but please check into what is available where you are. The program here also allows family as care givers.
In any case if I needed hospitalization they will take my husband with me and place him in facility. All I need to do is call SW, if EMS is required they have it on file.
It is just common practice as caregiver becomes unavailable and other person cannot be left alone.
Let me tell you about respite care here.
At beg of May I tried to arrange respite care for my husband.
Not one room available, 3 agencies involved! We live in big city with lots of facilities. I was flexible as it was not for health reasons so May or June was fine.
Nothing!
One suggested IL and I come and take care of him?
Other suggested hotel stay and some other to send him to hospital. Unbelievable!
I found it myself, for part of May with extended stay available for June.
Another lesson in caregiving, not much help available.
We are mostly on our own.