Can someone please tell me if it is possible to get help at home with taking csre of my wife. As caregivers you know we have to do everything it's a 24 hour job. I am looking for three or four hours help twice or three times a week. How does one go about getting help?

Thank you.

If you go to the purple FIND button and type in Finding a caregiver, you will probably find some information. You can also call the Alzheimer's Association and they may be able to provide you with some resources. The Alzheimer's Association also has a section in their website called CareFinder.

If you look up Brad H's post, you will see that you do have to be careful as possible in screening for the proper caregiver. We were fortunate to find a caregiver for my father through a reputable agency that was suggested by Kaiser Permanente Hospital. We were lucky to find a good caregiver. You do have to be careful, though, but it is possible to find good people, you just have to do your research.

If your wife qualifies for medicaid they could provide that service for you. Even if you don't think you would qualify it's still worth looking into. Also contact your local senior services center and your local alz association. They may be able to provide you with county resources.

Good luck.

Check with your nearby friends and churches.

I had a lady come in Monday thru Friday, 3 hours each day, at $10.00 per hour. She helped my mom with her shower, breakfast, play and exercises.

People that know people are the best source in my opinion! When you hire someone from an organization.....you also pay for that organization! However, in some cases, that may not be a bad idea!

Google: Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

and then contact them to see what services Texas offers. In Mass, there is homecare available from the state on a sliding scale. There may be daycare available as well.

call alzheimer's 24/7 hot line; telephone book for caregivers, website for elder care in your city county...what city county are you in

bela

It has been my experience that most agencies require a four hour per day minimum.

If you are looking for an agency, contact your local hospital/medical center and speak to the Discharge Planning Department - they will mail or fax you a listing of agencies most often used. Also, the other suggestions here are very good.

If you do go with an agency, one thing to ask is if the person is their actual employee OR is the person an independent aide simply contracting for work through them. You do NOT want a person who is a subcontractor - there is no accountability or performance expectations and I have found that to be problematic. You will also want to know if they do a thorough background check on their aides.

A second issue is; with so few hours can they give you the same person each time? This is extremely important for continuity of care and especially for a dementia patient, new people can be very intimidating. Sometimes, agencies will use different people on their days off to simple "fill" hours - you will not want that, you will want continuity with the same person.

Sometimes the first person or two we get just doesn't work out; however, you will find the right helping person and it will be such a blessing. Persevere, as that is part of the process - once all the ducks are in a row, it will all get easier.

As suggested, ask friends, family, local churches, senior centers, etc. if they know of any specific individual or agency which has shined in this regard. You may find just the right person this way.

Best of wishes to you.

I hired a part time Home Care Aid about 5 weeks ago and it is working out pretty good. She helps me with light house keeping, some cooking and spends time with my LO while I am doing other things. I found her through the church who has a guy that has built up a list of candidates. Mine has her CNA and works 3 days a wk for 6 hrs per day and I pay her $12/hr. My wife is in stage 5-6 and definitely progressing so I may need even more home care later and this is getting Carol used to someone in our house. I call her our "Helper" and Carol has taken it pretty well.

Good Luck and may God bless you,
Bill E.