Respite care

Bill is caring for his 87 year old wife who is blind, but has no other significant health issues. He is working part time and she stays alone while he is gone. She seems to do OK, but he would feel better if she had a companion. She has been reluctant to let someone come into the house. What avenues are available for Bill to get help for his wife?

I recommend contacting the Larimer County Office on Aging @ 970-498-6807.  Here are people who can assist with finding the right kind of respite care for Bill that will ease his wife's discomfort.  The Office on Aging can also assist Bill in setting up a system of caregiving through the "Share the Care" program.  This amazing program promotes an expanded socialization for those in Bill's wife's situation without over-using friends and family.  More information about how it works can be viewed at www.sharethecare.org .

Eunice is currently the primary caregiver for her fiancé who has had 6 surgeries in the last 3 years.  He has been left with 2 open wounds in his abdomen from colonoscopies and illioscopies which she helps him care for.  He also has myasthenia gravis which is complicating his condition.  He had to quit work as a result of the medical condition, but is cognitively OK, and is easy going and very positive.  They do get help from the wound clinic once a week.  Financial resources are tight, and his children are of little help.  His daughter-in-law does come twice per week so Eunice can work at her part time job.  She would like more help coming to the house, more help with meals as well as some respite time for herself.

Joyce  and her husband moved to Loveland 4 years ago to be nearer to their daughter.  Last summer (2008) her husband of 60 years was diagnosed with cancer and had his stomach and part of esophagus removed as a result.  She cares for him at home with the help of professional home health care.    She gets out one day every week to get her hair done and run errands.  Her daughter lives nearby and they all eat dinner together every evening.  She feels she is managing ok, but she might appreciate more help and more time to get out.