Caregiver for my wife when I need treatment for my AML?

I wonder if you could put her in respite care at a SNF (skilled nursing facility)? It would be expensive because nursing homes are, and Medicare won’t cover it. You could bring her home as soon as you returned and could take care of her again. It’s far from ideal, but might be your only option.

Hello, I am sorry you have to go through this and have all the worries. I am from Wisconsin. Does your county have an ADRC? They have folks who might be able to give you guidance as you figure out this maze. Respite care at a SNF might be an answer as well as a CBRF. You may have to pay for these but it is an option. Also, if you have a GOOD home health agency in your area, you may be able to get information from them for options that you're not aware of. A lot depends on the condition of your wife and how much help she needs. Not knowing your ages, you may even want to talk with an attorney that specializes in elder care. My husband was hospitalized at Mayo for 2 1/2 months and I learned a lot about how to navigate some health care and legal situations. It is not easy. I'll pray for you.

Such a difficult situation. In the 3 months you will be in hospital, does that mean acute care facility for 3 months solid, or a lesser form of care, i.e. nursing home? Depending upon the setting, it MIGHT be possible to have your wife there as well? Otherwise, finding a care facility for temporary respite stay will likely be a good solution. For my mom, I began to use a care facility for respite stays, partly to allow me to get things done that I needed to (travel, visit, etc) but also to begin the preparation for ultimate placement. That proved to be a really good process. I was honest with the facilities that I needed some short stay placements in the here and now, but also wanted to begin the process of introducing her to care facilities. The facilities were very much in favor of such a "plan" and it made the eventual move into a care facility less of an adjustment for my mom, and for me as well.

@wes152 In my town the senior centers (or wellness centers) have social workers that one can make an appointment with to figure out many issues. They might have resources for you. You might also check with the (your town’s) Agency on Aging. Most larger towns have these and would be happy to give you some pointers. Did the oncologist’s office have social workers that could help you? I’ll ask @loribmt to join this discussion and see what she can tell you. There must be help somewhere!!

Oh gosh, Wes this is a tough situation for you and your wife. I can't even imagine how stressful this is for you, especially currently going through treatments for AML. That's not an easy road.
For your BMT at Rochester, you'll be required to have your own dedicated caregiver for 3 months and have lodging off campus, but nearby, in a hotel, airBNB, apartment, Gift of Hope transplant house, etc. I stayed in a hotel suite (2 bedrooms 2 baths, full kitchen) with my husband for 4 months about 2 blocks from the Mayo Campus.
But I really am at a loss as to how to find a caregiver for your wife while you're unable to assist her. To be honest, even when you return home in 3-4 months you're still not going to be in a position to return to normal caregiving for her for another several months.
Have you contacted The Wisconsin department of aging and disabilities? https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc/index.htm
Do you have a dedicated caregiver for yourself during the BMT? What level of care does your wife require? If you rented an apartment short term is there any family member or friend who you could bring in as a caregiver for both of you?

@bigbon
Thanks for the reply, and the prayers!
The adrc won't help unless my wife is on medicaid. We do not qualify. I guess I'm looking for answers outside the normal government assistance programs.

@tullynut
Still waiting for the transplant team social worker to contact me.
Waiting...

@becsbuddy
Still waiting on the social worker. Elder centers are a great thought! Thanks!

@loribmt
Thanks. All the same questions I'm trying to answer!

Hi @wes152 Another potential resource center is National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. There might be some ideas on their site for your unique situation.
https://www.nbmtlink.org

Also the Mayo Clinic Concierge desk often has a few tricks up their sleeves along with a host of resources for Rochester.
Five Ways to Contact Mayo Concierge Services
-Phone: 507-538-8438
-Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
-Email: concierge@mayo.edu
-Web form: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services
-In-person in Rochester MN: Lobby hours are 8:00-5:00 Monday through Friday. Offices are located in the International Center in the Mayo Mathew’s Lobby, Executive Lounge on Mayo 5, Radiation Oncology Lobby Desk R
What is your timeline for the BMT?