I am a working wife caring for a husband with mild-moderate Alz. I belong to that Stage Group and have for a couple of years. Caring for a spouse is very difficult when the spouse is 90 lbs larger and 9 inches taller than I am!! Would love to know how some other wives handle bathing, changing diapers, etc for those larger than they are!
hey Cherlann, my Dh is not bigger but I know what you mean. I always tease him and tell him I always did love taking his clothes off! That usually makes him laugh a little. I have him sit on the cedar chest (it's just the right height) so I can help him. Same with the shower. I tell him let's take a shower together. He only bathes every 2 days or so but he really doesn't get dirty. so that works. Good luck!
Our shower is too small to get in it together but he can dress and shower himself--I have a transfer bench for him to use (he is physically disabled too) and he likes weekends when I "help" him take a bath--since he is in diapers I make him shower every day--am worried about skin problems since he doesn't change them often enough during the day when I am at work.
No Marny, He can't stay alone at our house. We are fortunate to live in a large city (Houston) and I have many resources at my disposal so my DH has a Senior Companion (he is a volunteer and we cannot pay him) who comes to our house 5 days a week for 4 hours a day. Since DH sleeps late his companion is with him from 10-2 every day. He is there when DH showers and dresses--that is the time I worry about the most because he is a "fall risk" and his companion is there if he is needed. I also get a Home Health Care Aide 2 days a week for about 3 hours each day and a nurse comes to take his vital signs once a week--she stays about 1/2 hr. ALL of them have my cell # so they can call me if a problem arises and I have to go home. When David leaves at 2:00 that leaves DH alone (and awake) for about 3 1/2 hrs till I get home from work. Since DH LOVES to watch TV (NCIS reruns over and over and over again) he is settled in his recliner and stays there till I get home. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can "keep" these caregivers until I retire in Dec 2013!! They are a blessing to me and I feel very lucky to have them. Hugs to you too---♥♥♥
