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Meet fellow Caregivers - Introduce yourself
Caregivers | Last Active: Nov 12, 2023 | Replies (707)Comment receiving replies
I meant caregiver. I have decisions to make as to what is the best way to take care of my husband and myself in the near future.At my age of nearly 87 and with my physical problems it is becoming too hard for me to care for Jim. Actually, I am physically internally fine. My problem is so much pain. I have chronic lower back pain and rods in my back, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, neuropathy and arthritis. I do everything that it takes to care for the two of us plus the paper work my husband always cared for. It is time to either place Jim in a memory care facility or find a live in person to do most of the chores.
I’d like some feedback from anyone who has faced a similar problem.
Replies to "I meant caregiver. I have decisions to make as to what is the best way to..."
Hi @arlenejc, I'd like to add my welcome as well. You may also be interested in the discussions in these related groups:
- Caregivers: Dementia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers-dementia/
- Spine Health: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/spine-health/
- Scoliosis and Chronic back pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-back-pain-2c72ae/
Arlene, you ask a good question. When is it right to consider seeking a place in a memory care facility vs getting someone to live in and help with chores and caregiving, especially as your own physical abilities limit your abilities to keep up with the increasing physicality of caregiving. I'm bring @coloradogirl @harriethodgson @maryterry and @providence1960 into this discussion too. Part of me thinks that "it depends". It depends on the availability of facilities, financial resources and the type of accommodation one can offer to having someone live-in.
Hello, @arlenejc it certainly sounds like you have a lot of difficult decisions to make. You might want to look at this discussion from the Caregivers group. It has a list of resources that you may find helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/caregiver-resources/. Check it out and see what you can find. I hope some of them help!
Good morning @arlenejc I’m wondering if you have been able to find any answers/help with caring for your husband and yourself? Have you checked with the local agency on aging? They might have some good answers. How are you both doing right now?
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Hi @arlenejc I am sorry to read about your husband's journey and your health issues as well. I was my wife's caregiver during her 14+ year war with brain cancer. For me caregiving sure was super demanding and having one's own health and pain issues can make it all even more overwhelming than it already is!
During my wife's illness she suffered from many dementia-like symptoms along with the physical decay from the cancer.
I know every patient, every disease, and every journey is unique, but in our case we found that home hospice was a positive solution for us. I know it is not for everyone nor is it possible for all, but I just wanted to raise it as a possible option.
Wishing you continued strength, courage, and peace!