I’m in your camp. I’m a recovery team of one and if I need help, I prefer to hire someone who will come in, complete the task, and leave.

I had lung surgery this year to remove a small nodule and it was frustrating to me that the doctor assumed if I have family in the area, they would come in and change my bandage over my chest tube wound. Seems they removed the chest tube prematurely and I had copious drainage. I had to chastise him that I preferred home health and was not leaving the hospital until he ordered a case manager to arrange home health visits. They came, changed the bandage, took a couple of vitals, were pleasant and left.

When my family came I let them help me put fresh sheets on the bed. They brought lunch so we ate and I convinced them I was fine. They went home and we were both relieved.

I realize it sounds unusual but I really prefer to be sick or wounded in solitude.