Caring for a Spouse? 5 Reasons Stressed Spousal Caregivers Miss Out on Help

Higlands

2 months ago

I enjoyed reading the article and comments and have to agree with rk_smith. I have had an unbelievale problem with theft. One former good friend whom I employed was convicted of theft. This happened at least twice. I have become terribly isolated. I don't like to go anywhere as I am worried about my husband when I am away. I don't want to talk to anyone about my feelings because no one wants to listen to someone complain. I am going to have to reach out to some groups and to counseling.

Spockula

10 months ago

This article just confirmed a lot of what's happening in our lives. Good to know it's fairly 'normal'.

Wellspouse

10 months ago

Incidentally, we have had discussions about problems with aides in the WSA Online Forum... Take a look also, at the Direct Care Association. There's a blog in the NY times about them here: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/a-new-credential-for-home-health-aides/ They want to establish a program of credentialing courses for aides... The best thing you can do with a new aide is to ask whether they've taken such a course -- or if you're going through an agency ask what training is given to aides. They can be a pain in the *** but also, there are gems out there, among the bad ones. Good luck!

Wellspouse

10 months ago

Thanks for the article, Paula. The Well Spouse Association, http://wellspouse.org is holding its 2011 Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA Oct. 21-23.

rk_smith

10 months ago

I myself have had several caregivers coming into my home for the past 8 years now and have found that I can't trust any of them. They steal form you when you leave to do your errands. One can't say anything for fear of what they may do to you or your loved one and you can't prove it one way or another. I have had so many thing stolen from me over the years. So now, I trust no one at all. I feel so much more secure with out the help but I am still in desperate need for it. What does one do when they can't trust the caregiver.??

I'm in this situation and this article outlines my situation. Other family members just expect that I will do everything and don't offer any help.

LindaSue

over 1 year ago

As a participant in "eldercare" I'm in contact with folks in this predicament. I can make suggestions to the spouse, caregiver and sometimes "make a difference". Makes me feel, all warm and fuzzy when it happens !

BillF

over 2 years ago

Great Article Paula, That was very insightful, I especially liked the part about how spouses might not even think that what they are doing is caregiving. They might not see the role that way. We all know that caregivers need time apart from the care recipient. I would add the the resources that you listed, at least one nation-wide, trusted caregiving organization. Maybe one like Right at Home. Check out our blog for more info on caregivers at http://www.rightathome.net/seniorhomecare. Keep up the great articles Paula, Bill