I suppose this could go in the massive updates thread, but I can't keep up with them when they get too long...

We decided that it's time to begin hiring some care for Laurette about a year ago, and this month we actually did it. She does not self-motivate any tasks these days, and I was starting to feel guilty leaving her in a chair across the house while I worked. She's still very sociable and mobile, but is instantly bored and can't think of anything to do. She's either stares out the window, looks at pictures, or takes a nap. Those are all legitimate activities, but not all day every day.

We have a lady coming in three days a week now to take her out somewhere, fix her lunch, etc. I have a solid 4 hour block where I can get some work done and I know she's not bored to tears in her little corner. It's through a company called Comfort Keepers that can easily increase her level of care all the way to 24/7 RN care. It looks like it will work out well and it's reasonably priced, so I think this will work out very well for everybody. It's more personal than day care, comparable cost, and Laurette doesn't have to be around "all those old people". She perceives everybody in the day cares as significantly older than herself.

It's not a major step, but it's good to have a known support structure in place.

That's wonderful. It will be good for her, I'm sure. We can't get my mother-in-law to go to day care either, for the same reason.

Love the new avatar!!!

Jezza, that is so good for both of you. You will have a time you can completely devote to work and not worry at all and your GM will be happy with her new "friend" that she will get to know and enjoy. I was so worried about my mom having home care but she now introduces her home care worker as her best friend. She looks forward to her visits and confides in her (about me of course...she has to tell someone about her stolen jewels!!!!)
I love my three hour respite as I have time to do errands and then go for a good bike ride. I come home feeling great. I imagine you will feel great about giving 100% to your job for a change.

Jezza, So glad you are getting some help that benefits both your grandmother and you, that is great. It also provides work for someone! Sounds like a perfect arrangement for all.

I hope desperately that we can do that with my mother some day. She is still mobile and yet incredibly confused and does not like help from anyone, you should of seen me trying to take her to the bathroom and get her dressed the other day!!!

~Kelly~

Our caregiver left yesterday, and Laurette called after her out the front door "I love you!", closed the door, and promptly asked me "Who is she? What kind of lady is she?" The funny thing is, I think she meant every bit of it literally.

I do the same sort of thing with one of my clients. I take her out to lunch and then we go to my place and bake or watch a movie together. It gives her daughter a much needed breather from dealing with ALZ 24/7.

Jezza,

Sounds like you've found and excellent answer for both you and Laurette. Good job!!