http://www.caring.com/community/groups/caring-central/discussions/what-should-i-do-to-get-ready-to-bring-my-dad-home en-us 60 <p>Here's a great resource for you from our diabetes educator expert Theresa Garnero.</p><p>Your father's best resource is the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) <a href="http://www.amputee-coalition.org/senior_step/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.amputee-coalition.org/senior_step/index.html</a> [amputee-coalition.org].</p><p>They have many downloadable guides, including one called, &quot;Senior Step: a Guide for Adapting to Limb Loss,&quot; which is designed for older adult amputees and their caregivers. The website also has a nationwide listing of support groups. You can also call 1-888-267-5669 for more information.</p><p>In terms of learning how to transfer your father safely, the nursing home staff can coach you while he is recovering in the hospital. Before he gets discharged home, ask about which home care agency will help him with the transition. Home care agencies make a few home visits a week (generally about an hour) to provide some type of skilled care. The home health staff or physical and occupational therapists can make sure you are able to assist him safely with transfers.</p> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:24:05 -0000 www.caring.com:5:194:1059 Sarah Henry http://www.caring.com/community/groups/caring-central/discussions/what-should-i-do-to-get-ready-to-bring-my-dad-home <p>I have been taking care of my father for 4 years now who has multiple problems steming from diabetes.&nbsp; A couple of weeks ago my father had his foot amputated right below the knee. I had to make the extremely difficult decision to put him in a nursing home because I just can't provide the care he needs right now. I've been searching your website to find information on amputees and have been unsuccessful. The only information I can find is health conditions leading to amputation. Well, my father's diabetes has lead him to this, and now I'm just stuck on how to help him. It would be awesome if there was information on how I can help him cope with the loss of his foot, how to take care of him (ie;transfer), and any information on benefits he would be entitled to such as transportation needs, or providing our home with ramps,etc. so he can come home. The doctors are only giving him 6 more months, and I really want to bring him home so we can make some lovely memories with him. I just need resources to do this. Please help. Lost in the confusion.</p> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:35:27 -0000 www.caring.com:5:194:1057 Anonymous http://www.caring.com/community/groups/caring-central/discussions/what-should-i-do-to-get-ready-to-bring-my-dad-home