I took DH this morning for his appointment with his neuro. I had a list of things that DH does/doesn't do and I guess his neuro decided I needed a kick in the pants to jump start me. A while ago I had a phone call from a guy who recently started his own home care company. He is a registered nurse and he took care of a friends husband who had Lewey Bodies Dementia. Apparently he had talked to DH's neuro and he had given him my number. He will come out to the house on 20 June so he can meet us and us/me meet him and find out what he offers and how much. I still don't think DH is that far along but I would like someone to help with the house cleaning and also it will get DH used to having someone else in the house before he gets too bad.
The earlier you start with help, you'll find, the better it wil be for you and your DH. Once the intial adjustments are over, you'll find your DH will accept help from someone besides you. You can take some time away--alone. Chores will get done and you can take care of things only you can do, and you'll be less wornout at the end of the day. If your Dr.referrdit, youare past due.
If I had the in home help right now, which I don't yet, I would want the person to dedicate his time to DH so I COULD get things done without interruption all the time..to run the errands....go out to lunch..those sorts of things. As far as house work chores having a good Merry Maid or whatever they call themselves would be helpful...Right now I do have a guy who comes and washes the windows every 3 months and lawn guys who come once a week. Before I had a "maid" I would have to get myself more organized first. If I don't know what I want done with something or other it would frustrate me to have to give directions...but I'll get there.
Housework takes me a LOT longer than it used to because I have to keep taking breaks because of my back. I know my DH would not accept someone in the house to take care of him so this way he will get used to having someone here and I can still leave when they are here and when he needs more help I won't have to find someone. This company does it all.
Mimi--you touched on a good point--I tell the agency owner I want aides who are self-starters and have initiative. I already have someone I have to "boss around" constantly (DH); I don't need a second person. Of course, I explain what I want done and how when an aide is new, but I don't want to have to direct them on a day-to-day basis. One thing that helps--I have a notebook where I wrote down details about DH's past, what the daily routine is, what he likes to eat, etc. So when we have substitutes, I don't have to repeat it all, I just tell them general stuff and let them read the notebook for details.