I deliberately made "caregivers" plural because that is what has just happened to me. I came down with the flu a few days ago (yes, I got my flu shot) so started relying more on Margo (my "Andrew"). Yesterday I got a call from the adult day center that my wife was doing a lot of coughing. I had spent the entire day in bed. When Margo, who also drives the van for the day center, got her home, she could barely walk. It took all I could do to get her sitting up for dinner when it was brought up from the kitchen in our retirement Inn. But, she ate practically nothing of the meal. Then Margo called to say she couldn't come back to put my wife to bed because she was sick, so I had to do it. This morning my wife seemed a little better, but I'm not sure I was any better. As I was sitting there feeling sorry for my self, I remember that I had been given the name of another caregiver who might be able to help out at times, so I called her. She had just gotten off an overnight job, where she could sleep, so came right over, made the bed, started the laundry, washed the dishes, and took my wife to the bathroom. She's coming back this evening to help her with dinner and put her to bed. Then, the GOOD news. This new caregiver is willing to work with Margo over the first weekend in June so I can go to Chicago for our daughter's retirement party. I have just purchased the plane tickets. SO, a day that started out all bad, has developed some good points.
Oh Marsh, I am sorry for your awful day, but so glad you found another caregiver. I am happy you will be able to travel.....Hope the sickness leaves you all quickly......
Oh, Marsh, so sorry you got the flu....it is miserable this go round! I'm glad you found a new caregiver and will be able to go to your daughter's party. It is a special event in her life. Get well soon!
Marsh, sorry to hear the flu bug snagged you. I have worried about what would happen should I get sick (don't get the flu often but when I do I usually am totally down). My DH can't do anything on his own and would be totally lost.
Sorry, Marsh, hope it doesn't last long. I had it a few weeks back and thought I'd never get rid of it. Surprisingly, DH helped me all he could; and otherwise, sat in his recliner while I was in bed. He did keep forgetting I was sick, however, and I had to keep reminding him - which I have to do about other things all the time anyway - so no different!
GET WELL SOON, MARSH!!! HOLLERING ALL THE WAY FROM CA I AM.. Seriously, you make an important point that we often don't even consider until the horse is out of the barn..I can call my bil but who will look in until he gets here? Guess I need to make better plans just in case... hope you are better tonight..
DH's caregiver could not be here today car trouble. I was reallycounting on him. This has happened before and it always leaves me depressed and frustrated.
((Marsh)) uggggg, the flus going around are horrible this year! I am sorry to hear you aren't feeling well and I hope you start feeling better very quickly!! They had a "Lock down" at the nursing home that lasted over two weeks! I went of course, but I had to wear a mask and gloves.
It was my health and the TIA's that made me finally admit that Lynn's care was too much for me. I had ZERO help or support. If I was down, there was no help at all. It was scary and damn near impossible. It took a doctor telling me I could and most likely would die if I continued on that path for me to see how serious this problem was. As he and many people here have said, who would look after our loved ones if we let our own health fail?
I am very relieved to hear another care giver was able to come in and help you!!! And how wonderful that you will be able to go to your daughter's retirement party!! I am sure she will love to have you there :D
Followup - Last evening, when Kathy got here to help get my wife to bed, the 2 of us could not get her up from her chair. I called 911 to take her to the hospital. The usual ambulance is 5 minutes away, but they were busy so we had to wait for one to come from 1/2 hour away. At the hospital they said all labs and x-rays were normal. She was dehydrated from not eating or drinking. They gave her some IV fluids and said she could go home. They couldn't admit her because there were no hospital beds in Hancock or Penobscot counties - a total of 5 hospitals. Getting her home was a bit of a chore, but with help from my sister we made it. This morning, just as I came out of the shower, I found her getting out of bed by herself - something she almost never does. She ate a good breakfast. She is now asleep in her chair. I'm feeling a bit better - just tired - so maybe I can be sure she keeps up her fluid intake.
I am soooo glad to hear that your wife is doing better!!! That had to have been frightening for you! Wow, I can't believe they couldn't find a hospital bed for her. I am glad it all worked out and that you are feeling a bit better too ((hugs))