What are so ways for caregivers to get rest relief when caring for loved ones?

Question

My mom had a sudden attack of involuntary motor movements. It looks like it could be Ataxia or symptoms like Huntington's Disease. We won't know until tomorrow but the sedative keeps her from too much movement. Poor mommy. My sister helped me today and will be coming over next week so I can do lunch with friends and go Christmas shopping. Thanks for your prayers.

Answer 1

we have a caregivers club in town where by the member take turns giving much needed relief to the care givers -- once you explain most of the time you are either watching some one sleep or what tv or reading to them you can get a few members -- when you talk to the members why they do it standard answer in case they did the help on down the line!!!

Answer 2

I'm sorry this has happened
in your family but most of
these things are inevitable as
our parent's grow older.
In my past life, I was a live-in
Geriatric Nurse. I'll try to give you a few thoughts. You will
know in the near future if
this is a permanent problem
or not.
The job of care provider is
one of the hardest ever and
moreso when it's someone you love.
It will take the whole family
to sit down and discuss
rationally who will take care of
mom. Whether you take turns, hire a live-in provider
or a few months in a convalescent hospital (until
you all can plan for care.)
I will tell you that the care
does not get easier. You need to plan what's necessary
for mom, and what you all
can realistically handle on your own.
You may need some "care
providers counselling" at a
local Seniors Community Center, or even your local
hospital can refer you to where you can get help.

Answer 3

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You have my prayers (I will do some extra). My wife and I cared for my mom for 15 years and we do not regret one minute of it. You only have one mom and once you get old enough to help when she needs it there is not enough you could do for her. Keep your hopes up miracles do happen. Getting relief would probably involve other family members like your sister since you cannot take mom anywhere. I would check with social services. Maybe you could get nurse visits and take some time during them. In my town we have a program called meals on wheels. They will deliver hot ready to eat meals for people that are homebound. I imagine just getting out for grocery shopping is tough. We used to have a store where you could call in your list and they will fill and deliver it for a fee. May God Bless you all

Answer 4

Huntingtons usually strikes people in their 30's or 40's.
When my mom had Alzheimers, I hired caregivers so I could get away for a weekend now and then.
Friends volunteered to watch her.
I suggest accepting all the help you are offered as long as you feel mom is safe with the volunteer.
I wrote out instructions, schedule, etc.
One caregiver took my mom with her on errands, etc. Mom enjoyed the outings.
I enrolled my mom in adult day care one day a week. They picked her up between 9 and 10AM; dropped her off between 3 and 4. It was another outing and stimulation for her mind and gave me a day to clean house, etc.
Some facilities also offer respite care for a day to a month. You can just call assisted living and skilled nursing homes to check. It is expensive, I think.

Answer 5

Dear Daisymae, So sorry to hear the news of your mother. I am not sure about your area but in my area in the yellow pages there are Respite care workers, and other private companies that will send someone to care for her while you are out. You may want to contact the County Division of Social Services and ask for the Division of Aging, (may have a different name, and they will be able to give you information of care givers in your area. You are all in my prayers. Hope this helps.xoxo

Answer 6

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum daisymae.

To answer your question, there should be a number of agencies that offer "respite care". You could ask your mother's doctor for a referral, or alternatively, you can call the Community Services in your neighbourhood.

I know Canada is different from the U.S. in how these things are set up, but I am pretty sure that even U.S. medical insurance providers will provide respite care for extremely ill patient's families.

http://www.eldercare.gov/eldercare/Public/resources/fact_sheets/respite_care_pf.asp

Answer 7

So sorry for you and Mom. I was sole caregiver for my mother and her insurance paid for a caregiver 5 hours a day. I was able to continue work at least part time. I am sure you will work something out it takes a little homework to find all available to you. Blessings

Answer 8

So sorry to hear about your mum Daisymae, and I pray all goes well.
I read a book, it's called 'Who cares for the Cares?',
Often their are respite places you can place people or agencies that will care for them when you need a break, (being it often!).
Ring your local Health Department and the Hospital, they should know of ways to start putting things into perspective and giving you strategy with options.
You my friend are another unsung Hero*

Answer 9

daiseymae, I was thinking of you today and here you are. It is very hard when our parents are ill and we feel so helpless that we can't make them better. Our prayers are with you. I don't know about where you live, but here we have the VON or Victorian Order of Nurses and they come to the home to help with treatments . Ask your Doctors office if they know of a reliable group you can contact. Take care of yourself too ok?

Answer 10

Hi daisymae! Glad to see you. I hope and pray that the test results you get tomorrow will not be bad but something easily cared for.
In Missouri we have VNA, visiting nurses association. They will stay with your mother and give you time to do what you need to do. They will bathe and feed her. I'm sure there are programs in your area. You could ask her doctor for advice as I'm sure he is familiar with this type of situation.
Good luck and God bless.